A80608:1915
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.
For the first, Though there were no truly godly persons in a Church, yet if there be such as profess godliness (such as they call visible Saints) to meet together in a Congregation to worship the Lord, and to edify one another in the administration of his holy Ordinances, I do believe there is truth of Church-estate.
For the first, Though there were no truely godly persons in a Church, yet if there be such as professe godlinesse (such as they call visible Saints) to meete together in a Congregation to worship the Lord, and to edifie one another in the administration of his holy Ordinances, I doe beleeve there is truth of Church-estate.
It is true, I do believe, and confess, that God requireth more then profession of godliness, even sincerity of holiness in Church-members, and it is no small sin in them, if it be wanting; But what if some, if most, if all believe not? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God of none effect? God forbid? Rom. 3.3, 4. If an hypocritical Church were no Church, then an hypocritical Minister were no Minister, and his administrations nullities. Cultus institutus, in the whole latitude of it, as Churches, Min;isteries, Seals, Censures, &c. they are all ordained for the Elects sake. And the ⟨p. 108⟩Elect God would have them to be [Greek or Hebrew], without careful scruples and distractions. If truth of Churches, and Ministries, and Ordinances, depended upon the personal sincerity of the godliness of the dispensers, the Elect of God would ever be entangled with inextricable scruples, touching their communion here or there, with this or that Church, or the administrations of the Officers thereof. But God hath called us in peace.
It is true, I doe beleeve, and confesse, that God requireth more then profession of godlinesse, even sinceritie of holinesse in Church-members, and it is no small sinne in them, if it be wanting; But what if some, if most, if all beleeve not? Shall their unbeliefe make the faith of God of none effect? God forbid?