A80608:1748
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. This is a further Objection, then he held forth whilst he continued with us: and therefore no marvel, if my Letter spake nothing to it. But therefore let me now propound another Point, which may suffice both for an Answer to this Objection, as also for a second Answer unto the former clamour, and exception against hearing of the godly Ministers in England. The Point is this; That I do not see, how the Examiner can justify his grievous charge, that their Church is falsely constituted, (whether National or Parishionall) ⟨p. 79⟩and accordingly, that their Ministry, Worship, and Government are all of them false. Four things he chargeth to be false. 1. Their Church constitution, Parishionall and National. 2. Their Ministers. 3. Their Worship. 4. Their Government.
Answ. This is a further Objection, then he held forth whilest he continued with us: and therefore no marvell, if my Letter spake nothing to it. But therefore let me now propound another Point, which may suffice both for an Answer to this Objection, as also for a second Answer unto the former clamour, and exception against hearing of the godly Ministers in England. The Point is this; That I doe not see, how the Examiner can justifie his grievous charge, that their Church is falsly constituted, (whether Nationall or Parishionall) ⟨p. 79⟩and accordingly, that their Ministery, Worship, and Government are all of them false. Foure things he chargeth to be false. 1. Their Church constitution, Parishionall and Nationall. 2. Their Ministers. 3. Their Worship. 4. Their Government.
For the first, touching the constitution of their Parishionall Churches, let it be considered what I said before, that where there be visible Saints, there is the true matter of the Church; and where there is a Covenant or Agreement (whether explicit or implicit) to assemble together in one Congregation, to worship the Lord, and to edify one another in the Ordinances of Christ, there is (for substance) the true form of a Church. And where there is the true matter, and true form of a Church, it cannot be truly said, that such a Church is falsely constituted. For there being but two causes of which a thing is constituted, matter and form: whatsoever hath true matter, and true form, is truly constituted.