A80608:1149
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.
I do not deny the Truth of it, rightly understood, but it seemeth to me somewhat too loose, and confused, for me to own it as mine own. For the Magistrates power may be said to extend no further then the bodies and Goods of his Subjects, either as the Subject of his power, or as the end of his power. If Goods be meant outward Goods, and the Magistrates power be said to extend no further then to the body and Goods of his Subjects, as to the Object of his power, the Position is true. But if it be meant of the end of his power, as if a Magistrates power reached no further then to the preservation of their bodies, and outward Goods, ⟨p. 164⟩it is false For the Adequate end of the Magistrates power, is [Greek or Hebrew], benè administrare Rempublicam, well to govern the Common-wealth. Now can it be well with a Common-wealth, that liveth in bodily health, and worldly wealth, but yet without Church, without Christ, without God in the world? But though God for a time may preserve a civill State in health and wealth, through his Patience, and bounty, especially till means of Grace be offered to them: yet after means of Grace be offered, they cannot long expect bodily health, or wealth to be continued to them, if they neglect, or despise, or depart from so great salvation. Witness the Roman Empire, which though it abounded in worldly blessings, till the Lord Jesus came riding forth amongst them upon a White Horse of the Gospel of his Grace: yet after they neglected so great Salvation, then followed a Red Horse of War, and a black Horse of Famine, and a Pale Horse of Pestilence and other Judgements, which much impeached both the health, and wealth of that State, and would have ruined it, had it not cast away her Idols, and advanced the Sceptre of the Lord Jesus.
I doe not deny the Truth of it, rightly understood, but it seemeth to me somewhat too loose, and confused, for me to owne it as mine own. For the Magistrates power may be said to extend no further then the bodyes and Goods of his Subjects, either as the Subject of his power, or as the end of his power. If Goods be meant outward Goods, and the Magistrates power be said to extend no further then to the body and Goods of his Subjects, as to the Object of his power, the Position is true. But if it be meant of the end of his power, as if a Magistrates power reached no further then to the preservation of their bodyes, and outward Goods, ⟨p. 164⟩