A80608:821
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.
All I have said (to my remembrance) this way, is, that Princes are bound to be wise, and Learned with holy knowledge that they may kiss the Son, and be subject to him, Psal. 2.10.11. And therefore able to discern of such corrupt feeding, as destroyeth the Foundation of Religion, and the souls of Gods people, that they may be able to restrain such, and to preserve the Church from such ravenous Wolves: and I deny not that their Subjects are to submit to them herein; when they judge according to the Word; or howsoever patiently to suffer for well-doing, without resistance, in a way of Hostility, notwithstanding any Church-power. If ought be unsound in this dealing with Princes, I am willing to hear of it.
All I have said (to my remembrance) this way, is, that Princes are bound to be wise, and Learned with holy knowledge that they may kisse the Sonne, and be subject to him, Psal. 2.10.11. And therefore able to discerne of such corrupt feeding, as destroyeth the Foundation of Religion, and the soules of Gods people, that they may be able to restraine such, and to preserve the Church from such ravenous Wolves: and I deny not that their Subjects are to submit to them herein; when they judge according to the Word; or howsoever patiently to suffer for well-doing, without resistance, in a way of Hostility, notwithstanding any Church-power. If ought be unsound in this dealing with Princes, I am willing to heare of it.
Discusser.
Another while, when Princes cross Mr. Cottons Judgement, and Practise, then it matters not, what the Profession and Practise of Princes is: for, (saith he) their Profession and Practise is no Rule to Conscience.