A80608:1432
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.
Answ. The greatest light that I expect is not above the Word, much less against it: nor is it destructive to the Church, and Ordinances of Christ, established according to the Word, but instructive of them in the way of the word. If therefore Christ Jesus shall come in any of his servants, holding forth a further light to us, we trust, that he that offereth us light, will give us (as hitherto he hath done) eyes to see it, and hearts to follow it. Light is discernible (through the Grace of the Father of Lights) by the children of light: The Spirit of the Prophets is discerned, and judged by the Prophets: Wisdom is just fied of her Children: When Judgement returneth to Righteousness, all the upright in heart shall follow it: The Sheep of Christ that see his face, will see his Light, and hear his voice: his Spirit of Truth will lead them into all truth. And yet because we all know in part, and Prophecy in part, we are taught of God in meekness of wisdom to instruct one another, (till light of Instruction be obstinately rejected;) and to suffer ⟨p. 16⟩one another in differences of weakness, till weakness prove wilfulness, and will not suffer Truth to live in Peace.
Answ. The greatest light that I expect is not above the Word, much lesse against it: nor is it destructive to the Church, and Ordinances of Christ, established according to the Word, but instructive of them in the way of the word. If therefore Christ Jesus shall come in any of his servants, holding forth a further light to us, we trust, that he that offereth us light, will give us (as hitherto he hath done) eyes to see it, and hearts to follow it. Light is discernable (through the Grace of the Father of Lights) by the children of light: The Spirit of the Prophets is discerned, and judged by the Prophets: Wisdome is just fied of her Children: When Judgement returneth to Righteousnesse, all the upright in heart shall follow it: The Sheep of Christ that see his face, will see his Light, and heare his voyce: his Spirit of Truth will lead them into all truth. And yet because we all know in part, and Prophecy in part, we are taught of God in meeknesse of wisdome to instruct one another, (till light of Instruction be obstinately rejected;) and to suffer ⟨p. 16⟩one another in differences of weaknesse, till weaknesse prove wilfulnesse, and will not suffer Truth to live in Peace.