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. 44. A Reply to his Chap. 44. Discussing 2 Cor. 10.4.

Discusser.

The next Scripture produced against such persecution was 2 Cor. 10.4. The weapons of our warfare are not carnall, but mighty through God &c.

To which it is Answered, Paul speaketh of the weapons of Apostles, and Church-Officers, which are not carnall, but spirituall: and mighty through God. But this denieth not, Civill weapous of Justice to Civill Magistrates. But I here observe, that the Scripture holdeth forth a two-fold State, a Civill State, and a Spirituall: Civill Officers, and spirituall: Civill weapons, and spirituall: Civill vengeance, and spirituall: though the Spirit speaketh not here expresly of Civill Magi∣strates, and their Civill weapons: yet these States being of different na∣tures and considerations (as farre differing as flesh and spirit) there∣fore Civill weapons are most improper and unfitting in matters of the

spirituall Kingdome and State, though in the Civill State most proper and suitable.

Defender.

The Discusser, as often throughout his Discourse, so here he looseth himselfe, and the truth, in ambiguityes. Civill weapons are indeed improper, and unfitting in spirituall matters, to wit, in the dispencing, and pressing of spirituall matters for the im∣mediate producing of spirituall ends, as for a Magistrate to draw his sword to compell all his Subjects to the obedience of the faith if Christ, and to the profession of it. But this is not unfitting nor improper, That a Magistrate should draw his sword, though not in matters spirituall, yet about matters spiritual to protect them in peace, and to stave off the disturbers, and destroyers of them. It were improper and unfitting, for carpenters to bring their Axes and Hammers to build up the spirituall Kingdome and Church of Christ: But yet their tooles are fitting to build up scaffolds, that the people may draw neere to heare the Word, & by hearing, be brought on to faith and salvation.