A80608:2091
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.
Fifthly, The fifth particular which he thinks I have not duly considered is, That in the Parishes (which Mr Cotton holdeth but inventions of men) how ever they would have liberty to frequent the worship of the Word, yet they separate from the Sacraments: And yet (according to our own Principles) there is as true Communion in the ministration of the Word, as in the Seals. What mystery (saith he) should be in this, but that here, (to wit, in Old England) the Cross of Christ may be avoided, if persons come to Church?
Fiftly, The fift particular which he thinks I have not duely considered is, That in the Parishes (which Mr Cotton holdeth but inventions of men) how ever they would have liberty to frequent the worship of the Word, yet they separate from the Sacraments: And yet (according to our own Principles) there is as true Communion in the ministration of the Word, as in the Seales. What mystery (saith he) should be in this, but that here, (to wit, in Old England) the Crosse of Christ may be avoyded, if persons come to Church?
Reply. 1. It is an untruth, that Mr. Cotton holdeth the Parishes to be but inventions of men; for though I hold, that the receiving of all the Inhabitants in the Parish, into the full fellowship of the Church, and the admitting of them all unto the liberty of all the Ordinances, is an humane corruption, (and so if he will, an humane invention;) yet I do not hold, nor ever did, that their Parishes were only an humane invention. For I believe, the Lord Jesus hath the truth of his Churches, and Ministry, and worship in them, notwithstanding the inventions of men superadded to them.
Reply. 1. It is an untruth, that Mr. Cotton holdeth the Parishes to be but inventions of men; for though I hold, that the receiving of all the Inhabitants in the Parish, into the full fellowship of the Church, and the admitting of them all unto the liberty of all the Ordinances, is an humane corruption, (and so if he will, an humane invention;) yet I doe not hold, nor ever did, that their Parishes were onely an humane invention. For I beleeve, the Lord Jesus hath the truth of his Churches, and Ministery, and worship in them, notwithstanding the inventions of men superadded to them.