A80608:1143
The bloody tenet, washed, and made white in the blood of the LambThe bloudy tenent, washed, and made white in the bloud of the Lambe
The bloody tenet, washed, and made white in the blood of the Lamb: being discussed and discharged of blood-guiltiness by just defence. Wherein the great questions of this present time are handled, viz. how far liberty of conscience ought to be given to those that truly fear God? And how far restrained to turbulent and pestilent persons, that not only raze the foundation of godliness, but disturb the civill peace where they live? Also how far the magistrate may proceed in the duties of the first table? And that all magistrates ought to study the word and will of God, that they may frame their government according to it. Discussed. As they are alleged from divers Scriptures, out of the Old and New Testament. Wherein also the practise of princes is debated, together with the judgement of ancient and late writers of most precious esteem. Whereunto is added a reply to Mr. Williams answer, to Mr. Cottons letter. / By John Cotton Bachelor in Divinity, and teacher of the church of Christ at Boston in New England.The bloudy tenent, washed, and made white in the bloud of the Lambe: being discussed and discharged of bloud-guiltinesse by just defence. Wherein the great questions of this present time are handled, viz. how farre liberty of conscience ought to be given to those that truly feare God? And how farre restrained to turbulent and pestilent persons, that not onely raze the foundation of godlinesse, but disturb the civill peace where they live? Also how farre the magistrate may proceed in the duties of the first table? And that all magistrates ought to study the word and will of God, that they may frame their government according to it. Discussed. As they are alledged from divers Scriptures, out of the Old and New Testament. Wherein also the practise of princes is debated, together with the judgement of ancient and late writers of most precious esteeme. Whereunto is added a reply to Mr. Williams answer, to Mr. Cottons letter. / By John Cotton Batchelor in Divinity, and teacher of the church of Christ at Boston in New England.
London: printed by Matthew Symmons for Hannah Allen, 1647
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And therefore the Magistrate need not to fear, that he should exceed the bounds of his Office, if he should meddle with the spiritual affairs of the Church in Gods way. It is true, if he shall meddle with the execution of a Ministers Office, as Uzziah did or if he shall set up humane Inventions in Doctrine, Worship, Government, in stead of Christs Institutions, as David brought the Ark of God upon Oxen, instead of the shoulders of the Levites: Or if he shall thrust in Jeroboam's Priests upon the Church, and cast out faithful Ministers: or if he shall make Laws to bind Conscience, in all these, or any such Like, he exceedeth the bounds of his Office. But if he shall diligently seek after the Lord, and read in the word of the Lord all the days of his life (Deut. 17.19.) that he may both live as a Christian, and rule as a Christian, if he shall seek to establish and advance the Kingdom of Christ more then his own: If he shall encourage the good in a Christian course, and discourage such as have evil will to Zion: and punish none for matter of Religion, but such as subvert the Principles of saving Truth (which no good Christian, much less good Magistrate can be ignorant of) or at least such as disturb the Order of the Gospel in a turbulent way, verily the Lord will build up and establish the House and Kingdom of such Princes, as do thus build up his.
And therefore the Magistrate need not to feare, that he should exceed the bounds of his Office, if he should meddle with the spirituall affaires of the Church in Gods way. It is true, if he shall meddle with the execution of a Ministers Office, as Ʋzziah did or if he shall set up humane Inventions in Doctrine, Worship, Government, in stead of Christs Institutions, as David brought the Arke of God upon Oxen, instead of the shoulders of the Levites: Or if he shall thrust in Jeroboams Priests upon the Church, and cast out faithfull Ministers: or if he shall make Lawes to bind Conscience, in all these, or any such Like, he exceedeth the bounds of his Office. But if he shall diligently seeke after the Lord, and read in the word of the Lord all the dayes of his life (Deut. 17.19.) that he may both live as a Christian, and rule as a Christian, if he shall seeke to establish and advance the Kingdome of Christ more then his owne: If he shall incourage the good in a Christian course, and discourage such as have evill will to Sion: and punish none for matter of Religion, but such as subvert the Principles of saving Truth (which no good Christian, much lesse good Magistrate can be ignorant of) or at least such as disturbe the Order of the Gospel in a turbulent way, verily the Lord will build up and establish the House and Kingdome of such Princes, as doe thus build up his.