A80608:483
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.
With this Scripture Mr. Cotton joineth the next, and answereth both in one, which is this, 2 Tim. 2.24. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but must be gentle towards all men, proving if at any time, God will give them Repentance, &c. unto both these Scriptures, he giveth this Answer.
With this Scripture Mr. Cotton joyneth the next, and answereth both in one, which is this, 2 Tim. 2.24. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but must be gentle towards all men, proving if at any time, God will give them Repentance, &c. unto both these Scriptures, he giveth this Answer.
Both these are directions to Ministers of the Gospel, how to deal, (not with obstinate offenders in the Church, but) either with men without, as the Samaritans were, and many unconverted Christians in Crete, whom Titus (as an Evangelist) was to seek to convert.
Both these are directions to Ministers of the Gospel, how to deale, (not with obstinate offenders in the Church, but) either with men without, as the Samaritans were, and many unconverted Christians in Creete, whom Titus (as an Evangelist) was to seeke to convert.
Or at best, with some Jews or Gentiles in the Church, who though carnal, yet were not convinced of the Errors of their way. And it is true, it became not the Spirit of the Gospel, to convert Aliens to the Faith, (Such as the Samaritans were) by Fire and Brimstone, nor to deal harshly in public Ministry, or private conference, with all such several-minded men, as either had not yet entered into Church-fellowship, or if they had, did hitherto sin of Ignorance, not against Conscience. But neither of both these Texts, do hinder a Minister of the Gospel to proceed in a Church way against Church-members, when they become scandalous, either in life, or Doctrine: much less do they speak at all to the Civill Magistrate.