A80608:1775
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 if he speak of the National-Church-Government, we must confess the Truth, there indeed Truth is fallen, and falsehood hath prevailed much. For whether we speak of the Hands, by which that Government hath been administered, or of the Ecclesiastical Courts, in which it is administered, or of the Rule, according to which it is administered, or of the End for which it is administered; All of them are forsaken of Truth, and can challenge no warrant of Truth but falsely.
But if he speake of the Nationall-Church-Government, we must confesse the Truth, there indeed Truth is fallen, and falshood hath prevailed much. For whether we speake of the Hands, by which that Government hath been administred, or of the Ecclesiasticall Courts, in which it is administred, or of the Rule, according to which it is administred, or of the End for which it is administred; All of them are forsaken of Truth, and can challenge no warrant of Truth but falsly.
The Hands by which that Government hath been administered, are the Prelacy, and their Servitors: who though they have of late challenged Institution by Divine Right: yet the claim is utterly false. The Divine Authority hath none to attend upon Rule and Government in the Church, but such as are inferior to Pastors and Teachers in Congregations, who labour in Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim. 5.17. Diocesan Bishops in the days of the Gospel, are like Kings in Israel in the days of the Judges, both of them wanting Divine Institution. What a pity is it, that some men eminent for Piety and Preaching, and others for learning and moderation, should come to be (as Jotham's Parable speaketh) advanced over their Brethren, and so leave their fatness, and sweetness, and fruitfulness, wherewith they had been wont to serve both God and man?
The Hands by which that Government hath been administred, are the Prelacy, and their Servitors: who though they have of late challenged Institution by Divine Right: yet the claime is utterly false. The Divine Authoritie hath none to attend upon Rule and Government in the Church, but such as are inferior to Pastors and Teachers in Congregations, who labour in Word and Doctrine,