A80608:915
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.
The unknowing zeal of Constantine and other Emperors did more hurt to Christ Jesus, his Church and Kingdom, then the raging fury of the most bloody Neroes. In the persecution of those wicked Emperors, Christians were sweet and fragrant, like spice pounded in Mortars: But those good Emperors persecuting some erroneous persons, and advancing the Professors of some truths, and maintaining their ⟨p. 131⟩Religion by the material Sword, by this means Christianity was eclipsed, The Professors of it fell asleep (Cant. 5.) Babel was ushered in, and by degrees the Churches of the Saints were turned into the Wilderness of whole Nations, (Rev. 12.13.) until the whole world, became Christian, or Christendom. Those good Emperors intending to exalt Christ, but not attending to the command of Christ Jesus, to permit the Tares to grow in the Field of the world, they made the Garden of the Church, and Field of the world, all one &c.
THe unknowing zeale of Constantine and other Emperors did more hurt to Christ Jesus, his Church and Kingdome, then the raging fury of the most bloudy Neroes. In the persecution of those wicked Emperors, Christians were sweet and fragrant, like spice pounded in Morters: But those good Emperors persecuting some erroneous persons, and advancing the Professors of some truthes, and maintaining their ⟨p. 131⟩Religion by the materiall Sword, by this meanes Christianity was eclipsed, The Professors of it fell asleepe (Cant. 5.) Babel was usher'd in, and by degrees the Churches of the Saints were turned into the Wildernesse of whole Nations, (