A80608:1738
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.
But two things here may suffice to answer this clamour.
1. Suppose all this were true, that he clamoureth, but proveth not: yet this would I fain learn, wherein lieth the sin of our members in hearing the godly Ministers in the Parishes? Why, saith he, in that they do not cut off themselves from a false Ministry.
1. Suppose all this were true, that he clamoureth, but prooveth not: yet this would I faine learne, wherein lieth the sinne of our members in hearing the godly Ministers in the Parishes? Why, saith he, in that they doe not cut off themselves from a false Ministery.
Now by the Ministry may be meant, either the office of the Ministry, or the exercise of the office, and gifts of the Ministry. From the office, and from the exercise of the office, our members have cut off themselves, partly by submitting themselves to a Ministry of their own Election in these Churches, and partly by submitting themselves to no act of their Ministerial office in England, but what an Indian, or any Pagan might partake in, who yet is cut off far enough from fellowship in their office.
Now by the Ministery may be meant, either the office of the Ministery, or the exercise of the office, and gifts of the Ministery. From the office, and from the exercise of the office, our members have cut off themselves, partly by submitting themselves to a Ministery of their own Election in these Churches, and partly by submitting themselves to no act of their Ministeriall office in England, but what an Indian, or any Pagan might partake in, who yet is cut off farre enough from fellowship in their office.