A80608:1720
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. I would readily answer this Question, Affirmatively also, unless there be a fallacy in the latter absolutely. For his Question is, Whether it be not absolutely necessary unto uniting with a true Church, to see, and bewail, and come out absolutely from the false Church, or Christ, or Ministry, or Worship, &c. This latter absolutely, if it imply no more then coming out altogether from all that separateth from true Christ, I grant it absolutely: but if he mean coming out from every thing of theirs, say from every good gift, yea from every error amongst them, which doth not separate from Christ, and then I deny that it is absolutely necessary, either to see or bewail all, or in that sense absolutely to come out of all.
Answ. I would readily answer this Question, Affirmatively also, unlesse there be a fallacy in the latter absolutely. For his Question is, Whether it be not absolutely necessary unto uniting with a true Church, to see, and bewaile, and come out absolutely from the false Church, or Christ, or Ministery, or Worship, &c. This latter absolutely, if it imply no more then coming out altogether from all that separateth from true Christ, I grant it absolutely: but if he meane coming out from every thing of theirs, say from every good gift, yea from every error amongst them, which doth not separate from Christ, and then I deny that it is absolutely necessary, either to see or bewaile all, or in that sence absolutely to come out of all.
His similitudes brought to the contrary, may persuade a self-pleasing fancy, but will not convince nor satisfy any solid Judgement. Might not the Israelites that came out of Egypt, borrow Jewels of silver and gold from the Egyptians, yea and carry up also a mixed multitude of People, and yet build a Tabernacle to the Lord in the Wilderness? Exod. 12.35. to 38. Might not the Jews come out of Babel, and accept from all the People, where they had sojourned, vessels of silver, and gold, with goods and beasts, and other precious things, and yet build a Temple at Jerusalem? Ezra 1.4, 5, 6