A80608:1452
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.
Or will it go for currant Doctrine before the Lord, that if the greater part of a Church fall (through fear, or otherwise) into sin, and such a sin, which they mourn under with sighs, and groans, and which in it self is not heinous, that then they do ipso facto, cease to be a Church, and utterly to be cast out? Why then let the Covenant between the Lord and his Church be no more reputed any branch of the Covenant of Grace, but let it stand and fall as a Covenant of works.
Or will it goe for currant Doctrine before the Lord, that if the greater part of a Church fall (through feare, or otherwise) into sinne, and such a sinne, which they mourne under with sighes, and groanes, and which in it selfe is not hainous, that then they doe ipso facto, cease to be a Church, and utterly to be cast out? Why then let the Covenant between the Lord and his Church be no more reputed any branch of the Covenant of Grace, but let it stand and fall as a Covenant of workes.
But surely if the greater part of the Church were gone astray, I should think it would well become the faithfulness of a Church-Elder, to hasten to them, (specially when he is lovingly and respectively sent for) and to convince them of the error of their way before the Lord, and to seek to bring them back again to the Bishop and Shepherd of their souls. Sure I am, that in a case of greater defection of the Churches of Galatia, then Mr. Williams imagined was found in the Church of Salem. Paul did not reject them, but professed; I desire (saith he) to be present with you now, and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you, Gal. 4.20.
But surely if the greater part of the Church were gone astray, I should think it would well become the faithfulnesse of a Church-Elder, to hasten to them, (specially when he is lovingly and respectively sent for) and to convince them of the errour of their way before the Lord, and to seek to bring them back againe to the Bishop and Shepheard of their soules. Sure I am, that in a case of greater defection of the Churches of Galatia, then Mr. Williams imagined was found in the Church of Salem. Paul did not reject them, but professed; I desire (saith he) to be present with you now, and to change my voyce, for I stand in doubt of you,