A80608:2050
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.
3. Though we do believe, and profess, that a Church (by rule) ought to be a Congregation of godly persons, or at least of such as profess godliness: yet if (through neglect of the power of doctrine) few godly persons be left in a Congregation, & (through neglect of discipline) few of those who profess godliness be found so blameless, as the purity of the Sanctuary requireth: yet we do not straight way profess that such Congregations are no Churches, or that a Ministry chosen by such a Congregation, are none of Christs.
3. Though we doe beleeve, and professe, that a Church (by rule) ought to be a Congregation of godly persons, or at least of such as professe godlinesse: yet if (through neglect of the power of doctrine) few godly persons be left in a Congregation, & (through neglect of discipline) few of those who professe godlinesse be found so blamelesse, as the purity of the Sanctuary requireth: yet we doe not straight way professe that such Congregations are no Churches, or that a Ministery chosen by such a Congregation, are none of Christs.
It is true, Gods chiefest regard is of his chosen Saints, godly persons. To them, and for them, he hath given Church-estate, Church-Covenant, and seals, Church-Officers, with all the power of the administrations of the holy things, the ordinances of Christ, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13. But yet that his holy Saints might be preserved, [Greek or Hebrew], without scruples and distracting perplexities in their Church-Communion, the Lord is pleased for their sakes to tolerate much hypocrisy, and many aberrations in Church-matters, before he reject Churches as no Churches, Ministry as no Ministry of Christ, callings as no callings.
It is true, Gods chiefest regard is of his chosen Saints, godly persons. To them, and for them, he hath given Church-estate, Church-Covenant, and seales, Church-Officers, with all the power of the administrations of the holy things, the ordinances of Christ,