A80608:638
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.
Let this stand (as it shall for me:) It nothing toucheth the Question in hand. It is far from me to allow the Civill Magistrate to make use of his Civill weapons to batter down Idolatry, ⟨p. 95⟩and Heresy in the souls of men: but for this end, he is to use spiritual weapons, and all Lenity and wisdom in the improvement thereof: But if the Idolater or Heretic grow obstinate & as the Apostle saith, wax worse and worse deceiving himself and others, to the destroying or corrupting and disturbing of others, now the Magistrate maketh use, not of Stocks, and Whips (for these do not remove, but exasperate the malady:) but of Death, or Banishment, that may cut him off from opportunity of spreading the leaven, and Gangrene of his pernicious ways, whether in Doctrine, or practise. It is one thing to speak o• Heresy and Idolatry in the Abstract: another in the Concrete. Heresy, Idolatry and all spiritual wickedness, cannot be rooted out of the hearts of the sons of men, but by spiritual weapons. But Heretics, and Idolaters may be restrained from the open practise, and profession of their wickedness by the Sword of Justice, and such weapons of Righteousness.
Let this stand (as it shall for me:) It nothing toucheth the Question in hand. It is farre from me to allow the Civill Magistrate to make use of his Civill weapons to batter downe Idolatry, ⟨p. 95⟩and Heresy in the soules of men: but for this end, he is to use spirituall weapons, and all Lenity and wisdome in the improvement thereof: But if the Idolater or Heretick grow obstinate & as the Apostle saith, waxe worse and worse deceiving himselfe and others, to the destroying or corrupting and disturbing of others, now the Magistrate maketh use, not of Stocks, and Whipps (for these doe not remove, but exasperate the malady:) but of Death, or Banishment, that may cut him off from opportunity of spreading the leaven, and Gangerne of his pernicious wayes, whether in Doctrine, or practise. It is one thing to speake o• Heresie and Idolatry in the Abstract: another in the Concrete. Heresie, Idolatry and all spirituall wickednesse, cannot be rooted out of the hearts of the sonnes of men, but by spirituall weapons. But Hereticks, and Idolaters may be restrained from the open practise, and profession of their wickednesse by the Sword of Justice, and such weapons of Righteousnesse.