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.

CHAP. 23. A Reply to his Chapt. 23. Still touching the Tares.

Discusser.

These Tares I shall evidently prove to be Idolaters, and in particular, properly Antichristians. For first, these Tares are such sinners, as are op∣posite, and contrary to the Children of the Kingdome, visibly so declared and manifest, ver. 38.

Defender.

Answ. 1. These Tares are not such sinners as are contrary to the children of the Kingdome; for then none should be opposite to them but they. For contraries are such, quorum unum uni opponitur. But evident it is, there be more wicked ones opposite to the children of the Kingdome, then Idolaters, and Antichristians, to wit, those notoriously scandalous wicked ones, whom the Discusser nameth in the next Chapter, Drunkards, Thieves, uncleane Persons.

Answ. 2. It is a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a begging of the Question, to say that

these Tares are such sinners, as are opposite and contrary to the children of the Kingdome, visibly so declared and manifested;

For the Tares were not discerned at first, (as hath been shewed a∣bove) till the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit.

Discusser.

These Tares are the Children of the wicked one; which wicked one I take to be, not the Devill; for the Lord Jesus seemeth to make them distinct. The Tares (saith he) are the Children of the wicked one, or wickednesse: the Enemy that sowed them is the Devill.

Defender.

Answ. 1. The Devill and the wicked one, may well meane one and the same Person. For if the Devill sowed these Tares, then these Tares were the seed (and so the children) of the Devill. Why should they be called the seed of one, and the children of another?

Answ. 2. Suppose, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, be translated (the children) of the wicked one, or wickednesse; that style will agree to hypocrites, as well as to other Persons. Sure it is, the Lord Jesus often calleth the Scribes and Pharises, Hypocrites, (Mat. 23.) and he calleth them also a wicked and adulterous Generation, Mat. 16. And therefore still these Tares will not appeare to be others then Hypocrites.