A80608:417
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.
Discusser.
Be it so: But what is this to a blind Pharisee, resisting the Doctrine of Christ? who happily may be as good a Subject, and as peaceable, and profitable to the civill State as any, &c.
Be it so: But what is this to a blind Pharisee, resisting the Doctrine of Christ? who hapily may be as good a Subject, and as peaceable, and profitable to the civill State as any, &c.
Defender.
But what is this to the question in hand? we do not hold it lawful for a Christian Magistrate, to compel by civill sword either Pharisee, or any Jew, or Pagan, to profess the Religion, or Doctrine of the Lord Jesus, much less do we think it meet, for a private Christian to provoke either Jewish or Pagan Magistrates ⟨p. 64⟩to compel Pharisees to submit to the Doctrine or Religion of Christ Jesus. And therefore all these Chapters from 29. to 35. (seven Chapters in all) tending to prove that Christs Disciples were to let the Pharisees alone in this way, are but so many empty flourishes, beating the air, & playing with a shadow. And yet the rest of the Chapters which remain must not pass without some Advertisement of such passages in them, as do corrupt the truth of Christ. How the Pharisees can be as good subjects, and as peaceable, and profitable to the civill State as any, who yet destroyed the civill State, by destroying Christ; let any but a blind conscience judge.