A80608:1124
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.
But then I ask, whether upon this ground, it must not evidently follow, that then either there is no Common-wealth, nor Civill State of men in the world, that is not qualified with this discerning: (and then the Common-wealth hath more light concerning the Church, then the Church it self:) Or that the Common-wealth and Magistrates thereof must judge and punish as they are persuaded in their own belief and Conscience (be their Conscience, Paganish, Turkish, or Antichristian:) And what is this, but to confound Heaven and Earth together? and to take away not only the being of Christianity out of the world, but all civility, yea the world out of the world, and to lay all upon heaps of confusion?
But then I aske, whether upon this ground, it must not evidently follow, that then either there is no Common-wealth, nor Civill State of men in the world, that is not qualified with this discerning: (and then the Common-wealth hath more light concerning the Church, then the Church it selfe:) Or that the Common-wealth and Magistrates thereof must judge and punish as they are perswaded in their owne beleife and Conscience (be their Conscience, Paganish, Turkish, or Antichristian:) And what is this, but to confound Heaven and Earth together? and to take away not onely the being of Christianity out of the world, but all civility, yea the world out of the world, and to lay all upon heaps of confusion?
Defender.
See what strange effects, a strong fancy can produce? would you not think, it must be some strange, and strong paradox, that if it be granted shall produce such strange and strong effects, as to take away the being of Christianity out of the world, yea and all civility, yea and the world out of the world?
See what strange effects, a strong fancy can produce? would you not think, it must be some strange, and strong paradox, that if it be graunted shall produce such strange and strong effects, as to take away the being of Christianity out of the world, yea and all civility, yea and the world out of the world?