A80608:546
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.
So it is with all scandalous offenders against the civil State: none can give them healing Repentance, but the right hand of the Lord Jesus, in the dispensing of the word of Truth: yet that doth not restrain Magistrates from executing just Judgement upon them. So neither doth it restrain them from executing the like just Judgement against these, though not to procure the Repentance of incurable obstinate Heretics, and Idolaters: yet to prevent the seduction and subversion of others. What though a dead soul, though changed from one Worship to another, (like a dead man shifted into several suites of Apparel) cannot please God? Heb. 11.6. And what though Faith be that gift, which proceedeth alone from that Father of Lights? Phil. 1.29.
So it is with all scandalous offenders against the civil State: none can give them healing Repentance, but the right hand of the Lord Jesus, in the dispensing of the word of Truth: yet that doth not restraine Magistrates from executing just Judgement upon them. So neither doth it restraine them from executing the like just Judgement against these, though not to procure the Repentance of incurable obstinate Hereticks, and Idolaters: yet to prevent the seduction and subversion of others. What though a dead soule, though changed from one Worship to another, (like a dead man shifted into severall suites of Apparell) cannot please God? Heb. 11.6. And what though Faith be that gift, which proceedeth alone from that Father of Lights? Phil. 1.29.
Yet better a dead soul be dead in body, as well as in Spirit, then to live, and be lively in the flesh, to murder many precious souls by the Magistrates Indulgence. And better he die without Faith, then to live to seduce many honest minds to depart from the Faith.