A80850:26
Helps for discovery of the truth in point of tolerationHelpes for discovery of the truth in point of toleration
Helps for discovery of the truth in point of toleration: being the judgment of that eminent scholar Tho. Cartwright, sometimes Divinity-Professor in the University of Cambridge in the reign of Queen Elizabeth of happy memory, and then a famous non-conformist, for which through the tyranny of the Bishops he suffered exile. Wherein the power and duty of the magistrate in relation to matters of religion is discussed; as also whether the judicial laws given by Moses to the Jews are abrogate by the coming of Christ. More particularly in relation to some sins, viz. blasphemy, adultery, &c. Occasionally handled in a controversy between the said public professor T.C. and Doctor Whitgift. Here also by the way is laid down his judgment in the case of divorce, and that the party innocent may marry again.Helpes for discovery of the truth in point of toleration: being the judgment of that eminent scholler Tho. Cartwright, sometimes Divinity-Professor in the University of Cambridge in the reigne of Queen Elizabeth of happy memory, and then a famous non-conformist, for which through the tyranny of the Bishops he suffered exile. Wherein the power and duty of the magistrate in relation to matters of religion is discussed; as also whether the judiciall lawes given by Moses to the Jewes are abrogate by the coming of Christ. More particularly in relation to some sinnes, viz. blasphemy, adultery, &c. Occasionally handled in a controversie betweene the said publike professor T.C. and Doctor Whitgift. Here also by the way is laid downe his judgment in the case of divorce, and that the party innocent may marrie again.
London: printed for Thomas Banks, 1648
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Moreover, if our Saviour Christ by his coming loosed these civill punishments, and purchased this grace of his Father for blasphemers, &c. that if they could find favour in the eyes of the Magistrate, they might escape the hands of death,1 which the Law of God adjudgeth them unto: How cometh it to pass, that the Apostles, to whom the Lord committed the publishing of all that pardon which he obtained for us, did never make mention of the slaking of these punishments? If our Saviour Christ had obtained this liberty, it was worthy the preaching; and therefore unless D. W. can show something out of the writings of the Apostles,2 to warrant this Sanctuary, which he would so fain build to the support of blasphemers, murderers, &c. it followeth, that the Apostles, by his saying, have not answered the trust committed unto them; But if all godly minds do abhor these absurdities, there is no cause why they should like of this corruption of the Doctor, whereupon all these depend. Nay in that the Apostle putteth a sword in the hand of the Magistrate, ⟨p. 6⟩and in the use of it maketh him a Minister and servant of the vengeance and justice of the Lord against sin:3 He striketh through this opinion, which imagineth that our Saviour Christ came to hang the sword of the Lords justice upon the pleasure and will of man. For the Magistrate being the Lords Officer, as the Sheriff is the Magistrates: It is no more in his choice to with-hold the Sword which the Lord hath put in his hand to draw, then in the power of the Sheriff, to stay the execution of that judgement, which the Magistrate himself hath lawfully commanded,
Moreover, if our Saviour Christ by his coming loosed these civill punishments, and purchased this grace of his Father for blasphemers, &c. that if they could find favour in the eyes of the Magistrate, they might escape the hands of death,1 which the Law of God adjudgeth them unto: How commeth it to passe, that the Apostles, to whom the Lord committed the publishing of all that pardon which he obtained for us, did never make mention of the slaking of these punishments? If our Saviour Christ had obtained this liberty, it was worthy the preaching; and therefore unlesse D. W. can shew something out of the writings of the Apostles,