A80608:1454
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.
Mr. Williams acknowledgeth in the next Paragraph, That the Church of Coloss might say to Archippus; Take heed to thy Ministry, and that Archippus might negligently, and proudly refuse to hearken to them: but for his case, his faithfulness, and uprightness to God, and the souls of the people will witness for him, when his soul shall come to Hezekiahs case on his death-bed, and in the great day approaching.
Mr. Williams acknowledgeth in the next Paragraph, That the Church of Colosse might say to Archippus; Take heed to thy Ministery, and that Archippus might negligently, and proudly refuse to hearken to them: but for his case, his faithfulnesse, and uprightnesse to God, and the soules of the people will witnesse for him, when his soule shall come to Hezekiahs case on his death-bed, and in the great day approaching.
I do not know but that Archippus might as justly refuse to hearken to the Church of Coloss, as Mr. Williams to the Church of Salem. What though Coloss was more eminent in gifts then Salem, yet the mutual power, and subjection of Pastor and people, dependeth not upon eminency of gifts, but upon the Institution of Christ, and their mutual Covenant, and Relation. If it had been a negligent and proud part in Archippus (as Mr. Williams confesseth) to refuse to hearken to the lawful voice of the Church of Coloss, admonishing him of his slackness in his Ministry: I know not but it might be such a like part in Mr. Williams to refuse to hearken to the voice of the Church of Salem, admonishing him to ⟨p. 21⟩take heed of deserting his Ministry. Whether is a greater sin in a Minister, not to fulfil his Ministry, or to desert his Ministry? Neither do I know but that Archippus might have pretended the like evasions with Mr. Williams, if not fairer. For he might plead there were amongst them, such as spoiled them through Philosophy, and vain deceit, after the Traditions of men, and Rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, (Col. 2.8.) that beguiled them also in a voluntary humility, and worship of Angels, not holding the Head, (ver. 18, 19.) Yea so far that themselves come to be dogmatized with the Traditions of men, ver. 20, 21, 22. And why might not then Archippus as justly refuse to hear the Church of Coloss, as Mr. Williams refuse to hear the Church of Salem?