A80608:1183
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.
Reply. 5. To John, 10. verse 10, 11. The Answer is as easy as to the former. The Pastor giveth his Life for the sheep: he cometh not to kill, or to destroy the sheep. But what if he see the Wolfe coming? or what if he see the Thief coming? both of them, to steal, and kill, and to destroy? Shall the Pastor now sit still, and not hazard his life in their defence, contrary to verse 11, 12, 13? Or shall he betake himself only to spiritual censures, when it may be they are not capable of such strokes? Or shall it be an heinous and unchristian carriage in him, to seek aid against such Thieves and Wolves from them who should see that the sheep of Christ may lead a quiet, and peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty? 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. The Apostles themselves, and the Churches planted by them, they do not so much as desire it of God from their Magistrates, that they may live a quiet and peaceable life in a way of ungodliness, no more then a way of dishonesty. So Paul himself professeth, Acts 25.8.11. But in a way of Godliness and Honesty, they desire of God, they may find by the protection of their Magistrates, a quiet and peaceable life, in that Text of Timothy.
Reply. 5. To John, 10. verse 10, 11. The Answer is as easie as to the former. The Pastor giveth his Life for the sheep: he cometh not to kill, or to destroy the sheep. But what if he see the Wolfe coming? or what if he see the Thiefe coming? both of them, to steale, and kill, and to destroy? Shall the Pastor now sit still, and not hazard his life in their defence, contrary to verse 11, 12, 13? Or shall he betake himselfe onely to spirituall censures, when it may be they are not capable of such stroakes? Or shall it be an hainous and unchristian carriage in him, to seeke ayde against such Thieves and Wolves from them who should see that the sheep of Christ may lead a quiet, and peaceable Life in all Godlinesse and Honesty? 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. The Apostles themselves, and the Churches planted by them, they doe not so much as desire it of God from their Magistrates, that they may live a quiet and peaceable life in a way of ungodlinesse, no more then a way of dishonesty. So Paul himselfe professeth,