A80608:441
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.
Subordinata, and so Coordinata non pugnant. It is true, Christ hath appointed spiritual means for the avoiding and preventing the infection of heresies; so hath he also for the preventing and avoiding all offences in Church-members. But that hindereth not the lawful and necessary use of a civill sword for the punishment of some such offences, as are subject to Church-censure. If indeed the Ordinances of Christ in the Church do prevail to the avoiding and healing of heresies, there is no need of the civill sword for that end. But it often falleth out otherwise: as
Subordinata, and so Coordinata non pugnant. It is true, Christ hath appointed spirituall meanes for the avoiding and preventing the infection of heresies; so hath he also for the preventing and avoiding all offences in Church-members. But that hindreth not the lawfull and necessary use of a civill sword for the punishment of some such offences, as are subject to Church-censure. If indeed the Ordinances of Christ in the Church doe prevaile to the avoiding and healing of heresies, there is no need of the civill sword for that end. But it often falleth out otherwise: as
1. That when the Church hath cast out an Heretic, yet he still remaineth obstinate, and proceedeth to seduce, and destroy the faith of some, (it may be of many:) as did Hymeneus and Philetus, 2 Tim. 2.17, 18. If the Magistrates sword do here rust in the scabbard, such leaven may leaven the whole Mass of a City, or Country; As by this means Arianism leavened the world by the indulgence of Constantius; Ingemuit Orbis Christianus, & miratus est factum se esse Arrianum.
1. That when the Church hath cast out an Heretick, yet he still remaineth obstinate, and proceedeth to seduce, and destroy the faith of some, (it may be of many:) as did Hymeneus and Philetus, 2 Tim. 2.17, 18. If the Magistrates sword doe here rust in the scabberd, such leaven may leaven the whole Masse of a City, or Countrey; As by this meanes Arrianisme leavened the world by the indulgence of Constantius; Ingemuit Orbis Christianus, & miratus est factum se esse Arrianum.