A80608:1778
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.
The Rule according to which the Government is administered, is not the word of God, (which alone is able to make a Church-Governor perfect to every good work, 2 Tim. 1.17.) but in stead thereof the Canon Law, the Decretals of Antichrist, and most unworthily and falsely applied to the Government of the Spouse of Christ.
The Rule according to which the Government is administred, is not the word of God, (which alone is able to make a Church-Governour perfect to every good worke, 2 Tim. 1.17.) but in stead thereof the Canon Law, the Decretalls of Antichrist, and most unworthily and falsly applyed to the Government of the Spouse of Christ.
The End also for which this Government now for many years hath been administered, hath not only been contrary to the ends of Church-Government, (which is to order the people in holiness, and love) but even contrary to the end of Civill Government, which is the punishment of evil doers, and the praise of them that do well, Rom. 9.4. But here the very edge of Government, hath been bent and sharpened chiefly against holiness and purity. No malefactors so heinous, (drunkards, whoremongers, profane persons) but might expect the approach of Courts with less terror, and pass from under their hands, with more favourable Censure then the sheep of Christ, and the faithful Shepherds of them.
The End also for which this Government now for many yeares hath been administred, hath not onely been contrary to the ends of Church-Government, (which is to order the people in holinesse, and love) but even contrary to the end of Civill Government, which is the punishment of evill doers, and the praise of them that doe well, Rom. 9.4. But here the very edge of Government, hath been bent and sharpened chiefly against holinesse and puritie. No malefactors so hainous, (drunkards, whoremongers, prophane persons) but might expect the approach of Courts with lesse terror, and passe from under their hands, with more favourable Censure then the sheepe of Christ, and the faithfull Shepheards of them.