A80608:2082
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.
Thirdly, An Ecclesiastical separation, that when a man cannot continue in fellowship with such a Church, but that he shall be compelled to the practise of some sin, or of necessity to communicate with the sins of others, then (after all good means used, in vain, to redress those evils) meekly to separate and withdraw himself from fellowship with them in Church-Communion, as one that cannot enjoy the good which is found amongst them, without partaking in sundry evils that cleave to them.
Thirdly, An Ecclesiasticall separation, that when a man cannot continue in fellowship with such a Church, but that he shall be compelled to the practise of some sinne, or of necessitie to communicate with the sinnes of others, then (after all good means used, in vaine, to redresse those evils) meekly to separate and withdraw himselfe from fellowship with them in Church-Communion, as one that cannot enjoy the good which is found amongst them, without partaking in sundry evils that cleave to them.
Thus far I have considered the grounds and Principles of Reformation, (of which the Examiner speaketh) and do find that they do necessarily conclude, a separation of holy from unholy thus far. But I confess, I have not considered, nor can I find out, by any further due consideration, that the principles and grounds of Reformation do necessarily conclude a separation from the English Churches, as false Churches, from their Ministry, as a false Ministry, from their worship as a false worship, from all their professors, as from no visible Saints. Nor can I find, that they do either necessarily or probably conclude, a separation from hearing the word preached by godly Ministers in the Parish-Churches in England: Nor can I find, that the building of our Churches in these ends of the world is the raising up of a square house upon the keel of a Ship, unless it be the Ark of Noah: for as the souls in the Ark were saved from water; so we find by experience, and good evidence from the word, that the Lord blesseth our Church-Communion and administrations with soul-saving efficacy, through his grace in Christ.
Thus farre I have considered the grounds and Principles of Reformation, (of which the Examiner speaketh) and doe finde that they doe necessarily conclude, a separation of holy from unholy thus farre. But I confesse, I have not considered, nor can I finde out, by any further due consideration, that the principles and grounds of Reformation doe necessarily conclude a separation from the English Churches, as false Churches, from their Ministery, as a false Ministery, from their worship as a false worship, from all their professors, as from no visible Saints. Nor can I finde, that they doe either necessarily or probably conclude, a separation from hearing the word preached by godly Ministers in the Parish-Churches in England: Nor can I finde, that the building of our Churches in these ends of the world is the raising up of a square house upon the keele of a Ship, unlesse it be the Arke of Noah: for as the soules in the Arke were saved from water; so we finde by experience, and good evidence from the word, that the Lord blesseth our Church-Communion and administrations with soule-saving efficacy, through his grace in Christ.