A80608:337
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.
4. To his 4 Answer (the 2. Reasons alleged by him out of the Text:) To the first: There is no fear of plucking up the wheat, by rooting out Idolaters, and Seducers. If any of Gods People should fall into Idolatry, and Apostasy, yea and should prove an instrument to seduce others also into the like wickedness: yet the censures inflicted on them, would be blessed of God to their recovery, & healing: yea and if they were cut off by the Civill sword, yet the example and terror of their punishment, would be blessed of God to preserve their brethren: who would all of them hear and fear, and do no more such wickedness. Neither is the just punishment of such, any just pretence to punish the innocent lambs of Christ.
4. To his 4 Answer (the 2. Reasons alledged by him out of the Text:) To the first: There is no feare of plucking up the wheat, by rooting out Idolaters, and Seducers. If any of Gods People should fall into Idolatry, and Apostacy, yea and should prove an instrument to seduce others also into the like wickednesse: yet the censures inflicted on them, would be blessed of God to their recovery, & healing: yea and if they were cut off by the Civill sword, yet the example and terrour of their punishment, would be blessed of God to preserve their brethren: who would all of them heare and feare, and doe no more such wickednesse. Neither is the just punishment of such, any just pretence to punish the innocent lambs of Christ.
Reply.
To the Second Reason out of the Parable, It may justly be Replied, that the charge given to the Angels to execute vengeance at the last day upon such Idolaters, if that were sufficient to plead for the toleration of Idolaters, It would as well plead for the toleration of Murderers, Robbers, Adulterers, Extortioners &c. for all these will the holy and mighty Angels of God gather into bundles at the last day, and cast them into everlasting burnings.