A80608:564
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.
2. They show also what the meek and peaceable temper will be of all true Converts to Christianity: not Lions, nor Leopards, nor cruel Oppressors, nor Malignant opposers, and biters one of another: but doth not forbid them to drive ravenous wolves from the sheepfold, nor to restrain them from devouring the sheep of Christ.
2. They shew also what the meeke and peaceable temper will be of all true Converts to Christianity: not Lions, nor Leopards, nor cruell Oppressours, nor Malignant opposers, and biters one of another: but doth not forbid them to drive ravenous wolves from the sheepfold, nor to restraine them from devouring the sheep of Christ.
This first Answer is truly Christian: but me thinks the Answerer might hear a voice from Heaven, out of thine own mouth will I judge thee: for that which he addeth is as evil and bitter, as the former words were good and sweet; But this doth not forbid them to drive ravenous wolves from the sheepfold, and to restrain them from devouring the sheep of Christ.
This first Answer is truely Christian: but me thinks the Answerer might heare a voyce from Heaven, out of thine owne mouth will I judge thee: for that which he addeth is as evill and bitter, as the former words were good and sweet; But this doth not forbid them to drive ravenous wolves from the sheepfold, and to restraine them from devouring the sheep of Christ.
But this fighteth against the former Truth; to wit, that Christ by spiritual weapons will subdue the Nations of the Earth to the obedience of the Gospel. For by driving away these Wolves, he intendeth not only the Resistance or violence, which the Shepherds of Christ ought spiritually to make: but the civill Resistance of the material Swords, staves, Guns, &c. whence I argue, that same power forceth the evil (the Wolves) out, forceth the good (the sheep) in: for of the same things, is the like and same Reason, &c.