A80608:2059
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.
His third inference is; That a Calling from some few godly persons, yet remaining in Church fellowship after the Parish way, is not of Christ.
His third infer•nce is; That a Calling from some few godly persons, yet remaining in Church fellowship after the Parish way, is not of Christ.
Reply. Then it would follow, that a remnant of godly persons is not sufficient to constitute and denominate a Church, if the greater part be corrupt and unclean. But the Prophet Isaiah was of another mind, and hath taught us by the Holy Ghost to judge otherwise: Except (saith he, Isai. 1.9.) the Lord of Hosts had left us a very small Remnant, we should have been as Sodom, we should have been like unto Gomorrah; In his judgement, it is not a multitude of hypocrites and profane persons, that maketh a Church (where a remnant of godly persons are found) to become as Sodom or Gomorrah: But it is a remnant, a very small remnant, that preserve the Church from becoming as Sodom, or Gomorrah.
Reply. Then it would follow, that a remnant of godly persons is not sufficient to constitute and denominate a Church, if the greater part be corrupt and uncleane. But the Prophet Isaiah was of another minde, and hath taught us by the Holy Ghost to judge otherwise: Except (saith he, Isai. 1.9.) the Lord of Hosts had left us a very small Remnant, wee should have been as Sodom, wee should have been like unto Gomorrah; In his judgement, it is not a multitude of hypocrites and prophane persons, that maketh a Church (where a remnant of godly persons are found) to become as Sodom or Gomorrah: But it is a remnant, a very small remnant, that preserve the Church from becoming as Sodom, or Gomorrah.