A80608:672
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.
For first, it is one thing to yield subjection to the unrighteous Decrees of Ignorant, and Pagan Magistrates: another thing to obey their Ordinances in matters of Faith, and worship, and Government of the Church. The former of these, Christians did yield unto the Roman Magistrates, even subjection unto the Death: the other, they neither did, nor ought to yield: as knowing God was to be obeyed rather then men.
For first, it is one thing to yeild subjection to the unrighteous Decrees of Ignorant, and Pagan Magistrates: another thing to obey their Ordinances in matters of Faith, and worship, and Government of the Church. The former of these, Christians did yeild unto the Romane Magistrates, even subjection unto the Death: the other, they neither did, nor ought to yeild: as knowing God was to be obeyed rather then men.
Secondly, though it be true, whilst the Roman Emperors and Magistrates were Pagans and Persecutors, they were incompetent Judges, to discern and give Sentence in the spiritual matters of Christian Religion: yet the word of Christ, who commandeth a Duty, commandeth all the necessary means, which tend to that Duty. And therefore in giving them a Power and charge to execute vengeance on evil doers, (and that in matters of spiritual unrighteousness against the Church, as in matters of Civill unrighteousness against the Common-wealth) It behoved them to enquire and listen after true Religion, to hear and try all, and upon serious, deliberate, and just scrutiny to hold fast that which is good, and so prevent the disturbance thereof by the contrary. It was no vain charge of the Holy Ghost, Psal. 2, 10, 11, 12. If Christ have an Iron Sceptre in his hand (to crush all States, and Kingdoms, Emperors, and Princes, as well as private persons) Be wise now therefore ô ye Kings: be instructed ye that are Judges of the Earth, serve the Lord with fear, rejoice unto him with trembling. Kiss the Son least he be angry, and ye perish in the way.
Secondly, though it be true, whilst the Romane Emperours and Magistrates were Pagans and Persecutors, they were incompetent Judges, to discerne and give Sentence in the spirituall matters of Christian Religion: yet the word of Christ, who commandeth a Duty, commandeth all the necessary meanes, which tend to that Duty. And therefore in giving them a Power and charge to execute vengeance on evill doers, (and that in matters of spirituall unrighteousnesse against the Church, as in matters of Civill unrighteousnesse against the Common-wealth) It behoved them to enquire and listen after true Religion, to heare and trie all, and upon serious, deliberate, and just scruting to hold fast that which is good, and so prevent the disturbance thereof by the contrary. It was no vaine charge of the Holy Ghost,