A80608:639
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.
Discusser.
But though these weapons were proper: yet they are unnecessary. For if spiritual weapons in the hand of Church Officers, be able, & mighty, and sufficient, and ready for the Lords work, either to save, or to kill the soul &c. How doth the Magistrate come in to help, but as if the Lord had no power?
But though these weapons were proper: yet they are unnecessary. For if spirituall weapons in the hand of Church Officers, be able, & mighty, and sufficient, and ready for the Lords worke, either to save, or to kill the soule &c. How doth the Magistrate come in to help, but as if the Lord had no power?
Defender.
This is a mere pretence in the mouth & pen of the Discusser: For he having cut off all the Churches of Christ, and all Church Ordinances, and Church-weapons from off the face of the earth for these many ages past, and I know not for how many years yet to come: If Civill weapons be debarred from defending Religion, upon pretence, that Church-weapons are sufficient, and and then no Churches nor Church weapons to be found upon the face of the earth, then let all Seducers to Apostasy, Idolaters, & Heretics, let them all rejoice in an open dote of liberty, & safety, which the Discusser hath set wide open before them. If Civill States must not, and Churches cannot, come in to help the Lord, shall the curse of Meroz be so avoided, because the Lord wanteth not power to help himself? But I might reply further, that though spiritual weapons are mighty through God, and sufficient to those ends, for which the Lord appointed them: