A80608:395
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.
Reply 2. to Ans. 2. The Marginal Note, seemeth to imply a contradiction to it self, for thus it speaketh, Civill Magistrates were never appointed by God, Defenders of the Faith of Jesus. And again, Every one is bound to put forth himself to his utmost power in Gods Business: Surely, if every one be bound to put forth himself to his utmost power in Gods Business, then civill Magistrates are bound to put forth their civill power, in defending the Faith of Jesus.
Reply 2. to Ans. 2. The Marginall Note, seemeth to imply a contradiction to it selfe, for thus it speaketh, Civill Magistrates were never appointed by God, Defenders of the Faith of Jesus. And againe, Every one is bound to put forth himselfe to his utmost power in Gods Businesse: Surely, if every one be bound to put forth himselfe to his utmost power in Gods Businesse, then civill Magistrates are bound to put forth their civill power, in defending the Faith of Jesus.
Neither will it henceforth follow, That either Christ, or his Disciples were bound to complain to Caesar, or to Herod, or to Pontius Pilate, against the Heresies of the Pharisees. For though all Magistrates, even Pagans ought to inform themselves in the matters of Faith and of Christian Religion, (that they may observe and preserve it) and it will be a destructive sin to them and ⟨p. 60⟩their States, if they do neglect it, (Psal. 2.10, 11, 12.) Yet it may be safer for a Christian man being oppressed in inferior Courts of heretical malignant Judges to appeal from them unto Pagan Princes in his own just defence, then to make complaint to malignant heretical Judges, or to Pagan Princes, against heresies, or heretical false Teachers. Christ sent out his Disciples, as sheep amongst wolves: and therefore instructed them, to be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves, Matth. 10.16. Now it is no part of wisdom for a sheep of Christ to complain to a kennel of wolves, That amongst the wolves, there be some of their company do make havoc of the sheep, leading them aside into damnable heresies. If a poor sheep should attempt such a thing, would not the whole kennel of wolves arise up against him, as a troubler of their State, that when he enjoyeth peace himself, (they trouble not him,) yet he will needs be so busy as to trouble them?