A80608:2044
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.
It may be also conceived, that we confessed, we had no calling from a particular Church, till we came to New-England. And this is also a false expression of our minds likewise.
It may be also conceived, that we confest, we had no calling from a particular Church, till we came to New-England. And this is also a false expression of our mindes likewise.
Or it may be conceived, that notwithstanding our former profession ⟨p. 131⟩and exercise of Ministry in Old England: yet being cast out from thence by the usurping power of the Prelacy, and dismissed (though against their wills) by our Congregations, (save only such as came along with us) we looked at our selves as private members, and not Officers to any Church here, until one or other Church might call us unto Office. This sense of our profession is true, but nothing available to the Examiners intendment.
Or it may be conceived, that notwithstanding our former profession ⟨p. 131⟩and exercise of Ministery in Old England: yet being cast out from thence by the usurping power of the Prelacy, and dismissed (though against their wills) by our Congregations, (save onely such as came along with us) we looked at our selves as private members, and not Officers to any Church here, untill one or other Church might call us unto Office. This sence of our profession is true, but nothing availeable to the Examiners intendment.
Secondly, It is in him another mistake, or else a fraudulent expression of our minds, when he saith, We hold and freely confess, that Christ Jesus hath appointed no other Calling to the Ministry, but such as we practise in New-England: And that any other Calling to the Ministry, which is not from a particular Congregation of godly persons, is none of Christs.