A80608:471
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. 1. What is said of Spiritual Officers deputed by Christ to see the Church to do her Duty, is but a pretence, when he acknowledgeth no Church, nor spiritual Officers in the Church deputed by Christ, extant upon the face of the Earth.
Reply. 1. What is said of Spirituall Officers deputed by Christ to see the Church to doe her Duty, is but a pretence, when he acknowledgeth no Church, nor spirituall Officers in the Church deputed by Christ, extant upon the face of the Earth.
Reply. 2. What Reason can the Discusser give why the Magistrate should break the teeth of the Lyons, who offer civill violence to the Church and Saints, and not break the teeth of the ravenous wolves (false Prophets) who offer violence to their souls? Doubtless those ravenous wolves, that make havoc of their souls, are far more mischievous then the Lyons be, that offer violence to their bodies. The Roman pagan Emperors (who like Lions persecuted the Church, 2 Tim. 4.17.) they by persecution increased it, though against their wills. But the Roman Popish Bishops, that like ravenous wolves devoured their souls, left the Church of Christ scarce visible, (though visible) and them, a very small remnant, though a remnant. It may be ⟨p. 72⟩matter of just wonderment, why Antichrist should find more favours in the Discussers eyes, then an ignorant Pagan, when the one hateth Christ more bitterly, and maketh far more waste of the Church, and Saints of Christ, then doth the other. Is it because his own Spirit doth more symbolize with Antichrist then with Caesar? Rather in secret supplanting, then in open persecuting the Churches and Ordinances of Christ?
Reply. 2. What Reason can the Discusser give why the Magistrate should breake the teeth of the Lyons, who offer civill violence to the Church and Saints, and not breake the teeth of the ravenous wolves (false Prophets) who offer violence to their soules? Doubtlesse those ravenous wolves, that make havock of their soules, are farre more mischievous then the Lyons be, that offer violence to their bodies. The Romane pagan Emperours (who like Lions persecuted the Church,