A80608:705
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.
The Contributions of the Saints and Churches, are truly called by the Apostle carnal things, Romans 15.27. and again, 2 Cor. 9.11. But shall a man therefore thus reason, as the wages be, such is the work: But the wages are carnal things: therefore such is the work of the Ministers of the Gospel, to whom such wages are paid? It is true the contributions of the Saints, may be called Holy, because they are given to God, and (by his appointment) to the maintenance of such as minister in his house about his holy things: But these are mental relations, no real differences in the thigns given to Magistrates, and Ministers: The wages given to them both, are carnal things. And consider them both in their proper ends: as the rewards given to Ministers, are given for their service about holy things: so the rewards given to Magistrates are given for their service about righteous things. Now if the Purity of Doctrine, worship, and Government be righteous privileges of all the Churches in the Common-wealth, surely Magistrates do not well deserve all their wages, that suffer the Churches to be bereaved, and despoiled of their spiritual privileges, which is the greatest and best part of their Birthright.
The Contributions of the Saints and Churches, are truly called by the Apostle carnall things, Romans 15.27. and againe, 2 Cor. 9.11. But shall a man therefore thus reason, as the wages be, such is the worke: But the wages are carnall things: therefore such is the worke of the Ministers of the Gospel, to whom such wages are paid? It is true the contributions of the Saints, may be called Holy, because they are given to God, and (by his appointment) to the maintenance of such as minister in his house about his holy things: But these are mentall relations, no reall differances in the thigns given to Magistrates, and Ministers: The wages given to them both, are carnall things. And consider them both in their proper ends: as the rewards given to Ministers, are given for their service about holy things: so the rewards given to Magistrates are given for their service about righteous things. Now if the Purity of Doctrine, worship, and Government be righteous priviledges of all the Churches in the Common-wealth, surely Magistrates doe not well deserve all their wages, that suffer the Churches to be bereaved, and dispoyled of their spirituall priviledges, which is the greatest and best part of their Birthright.