A80608:333
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.
2. To his second Answer, It is true, the Church wanteth no Armouries to defend it self, and amongst others, excommunication. But if their members be leavened with Antichristian Idolatry and superstition, and yet must be tolerated in their Idolatrous and superstitious worship, will not a little leaven (so tolerated) leaven the whole lump? And how then is the safety of the Church guarded?
2. To his second Answer, It is true, the Church wanteth no Armories to defend it self, and amongst others, excommunication. But if their members be leavened with Antichristian Idolatry and superstition, and yet must be tolerated in their Idolatrous and superstious worship, will not a little leaven (so tolerated) leaven the whole lumpe? And how then is the safety of the Church guarded?
Reply.
3. To his 3. Answ. It is true the Lord knoweth who are his: and none of his Elect shall perish. But nevertheless, Is it not a tempting of God, to presume upon Gods Election for our salvation, and to neglect the means of our preservation? In like case, Paul knew by revelation, that all his fellow passengers in the ship should be saved: but yet he professed that if the Mariners went out of the ship, they could not be saved Acts, 27.24, with 31. So is it here, The Elect of God shall be saved: but yet if Idolaters, and Seducers be tolerated (as Jezebel was in Thyatira) to seduce the servants of Christ to pollution and Apostasy, the Church will stand guilty before God of the seduction and corruption of the people of God.
3. To his 3. Answ. It is true the Lord knoweth who are his: and none of his Elect shall perish. But neverthelesse, Is it not a tempting of God, to presume upon Gods Election for our salvation, and to neglect the meanes of our preservation? In like case, Paul knew by revelation, that all his fellow passengers in the ship should be saved: but yet he professed that if the Marriners went out of the ship, they could not be saved