A80608:356
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.
Yea, but they may not apply, or denounce them to their present destruction or extirpation.
Yes to the present destruction of some or other Antichristian Idolaters in every age, though the State may continue (wasting) till the time appointed. It might as truly be said, the Ministers of Christ are forbidden to denounce present or speedy destruction to any murderers, whoremongers, Tyrants, extortioners, because though some of them, may fall under many sore and fearful plagues: yet there will never want a company of such wicked doers, till the Great Harvest, the end of the world.
Yes to the present destruction of some or other Antichristian Idolaters in every age, though the State may continue (wasting) till the time appointed. It might as truely be said, the Ministers of Christ are forbidden to denounce present or speedy destruction to any murtherers, whoremongers, Tyrants, extortioners, because though some of them, may fall under many sore and feareful plagues: yet there will never want a company of such wicked doers, till the Great Harvest, the end of the world.
Besides what if a messenger of Christ should not denounce present destruction, yet he cannot be said to let them alone, who is hewing at them to bring them to destruction many years before. It is not every stroke with an Axe that felleth an Oak: it may be not an hundred, not a thousand strokes; yet no stroke is lost that maketh way for the felling of it at the last. Neither can he be said to let the Tree alone, that striketh and heweth at it every day. So he that heweth at the Antichristian State every day by Prayer, and Preaching. He doth not let it alone, though it may stand many a year after. It will fall the sooner, and with more—facility for every stroke.
Besides what if a messenger of Christ should not denounce present destruction, yet he cannot be said to let them alone, who is hewing at them to bring them to destruction many yeares before. It is not every stroake with an Axe that felleth an Oake: it may be not an hundred, not a thousand stroakes; yet no stroake is lost that maketh way for the felling of it at the last. Neither can he be said to let the Tree alone, that striketh and heweth at it every day. So he that heweth at the Antichristian State every day by Prayer, and Preaching. He doth not let it alone, though it may stand many a yeare after. It will fall the sooner, and with more—facility for every stroake.