A80608:2012
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.
If the Conversion of souls were accidental to the work of the Minister, it were then praeter scopum efficientis, besides the intent of the worker. But it is neither beside the intention of the principal worker, God (for he worketh all things according to the Counsel of his own will, Ephes. 1.11.) nor besides the intention of the Minister, for as hath been said, it is one main intent and end of his Office, to make Disciples, and gather Saints; and Solomon maketh it an act of wisdom, and therefore not an act of accidental casualty to win souls, Prov. 11.30.
If the Conversion of soules were accidentall to the worke of the Minister, it were then praeter scopum efficientis, besides the intent of the worker. But it is neither beside the intention of the principall worker, God (for he worketh all things according to the Counsell of his owne will, Ephes. 1.11.) nor besides the intention of the Minister, for as hath been said, it is one maine intent and end of his Office, to make Disciples, and gather Saints; and Solomon maketh it an act of wisdome, and therefore not an act of accidentall casualty to winne soules, Prov. 11.30.
If it be said why are they called Pastors, if they be also Fathers? Pastors are for feeding: not for begetting.
Answ. Pastors are also Fathers: and though they be called Pastors, yet the ordinary Ministers of the Gospel have other Titles also, which imply more then feeding: as they are called Teachers, and Teachers of the ignorant,