A80608:1178
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.
It is true also which they allege out of Matth. 10.16. That Christ sent his Apostles as sheep into the midst of Wolves: He did not ⟨p. 168⟩send Wolves amongst sheep, to kill, imprison, spoil, &c. But this only showeth, what the condition and Commission, and work of Ministers is, when they are sent among Pagans, and Persecutors. But this is no prohibition to Ministers, when they live in a Church of Christ, to drive away Wolves from the Sheepfolds of Christ, as knowing they come to kill and to destroy. And drive them away they may, not only by Church-censures, if they be of the Church (Tit. 3.10, 11.) but also if they be out of the Church, by miraculous vengeance, (in case they have such a gift, as Paul had, and used it against Elymas, Acts 13.9, 10, 11.) or by their Prayers, (though the Discusser deny it, chap. 27. as Paul did against Alexander, 2 Tim. 4.14. or by stirring up the civill power against them, as Elijah did Ahab and the people, against the Prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18.40.
It is true also which they alledge out of Matth. 10.16. That Christ sent his Apostles as sheep into the midst of Wolves: He did not ⟨p. 168⟩send Wolves amongst sheep, to kill, imprison, spoyle, &c. But this onely sheweth, what the condition and Commission, and worke of Ministers is, when they are sent among Pagans, and Persecutors. But this is no prohibition to Ministers, when they live in a Church of Christ, to drive away Wolves from the Sheepfolds of Christ, as knowing they come to kill and to destroy. And drive them away they may, not onely by Church-censures, if they be of the Church (Tit. 3.10, 11.) but also if they be out of the Church, by miraculous vengeance, (in case they have such a gift, as Paul had, and used it against Elymas,