A80608:1010
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.
For who questioneth, whether to excommunicate an Heretic be to persecute? Excommunication being of a spiritual nature, a sentence denounced by the word of Christ Jesus (the spiritual King of the Church:) and a spiritual killing by the two edged Sword of the Spirit, in delivering up the person Excommunicate unto Satan. Therefore who seeth not this Answer cometh not near the Question?
For who questioneth, whether to excommunicate an Heretick be to persecute? Excommunication being of a spirituall nature, a sentence denounced by the word of Christ Jesus (the spirituall King of the Chureh:) and a spirituall killing by the two edged Sword of the Spirit, in delivering up the person Excommunicate unto Satan. Therefore who seeth not this Answer cometh not neere the Question?
Defender.
I must still profess my self to be one of them that see it not. For first the Author of the Letter did no where express himself to put any difference, neither between Church and Court, in point of censure for cause of Conscience: nor between causes of Religion, whether true, or false. If it be unlawful to banish any from the Common-wealth for cause of Conscience, it is unlawful to banish any from the Church for cause of Conscience. The Church ought to be more tender of the Liberty of Conscience, then the Court, as being more acquainted with the tenderness of Conscience.
I must still professe my selfe to be one of them that see it not. For first the Author of the Letter did no where expresse himselfe to put any difference, neither between Church and Court, in point of censure for cause of Conscience: nor between causes of Religion, whether true, or false. If it be unlawfull to banish any from the Common-wealth for cause of Conscience, it is unlawfull to banish any from the Church for cause of Conscience. The Church ought to be more tender of the Liberty of Conscience, then the Court, as being more acquainted with the tendernesse of Conscience.