A80608:1161
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.
I cannot say, nor do I believe, that any man is compelled to come to our Church, against his Conscience. Nay we are so far from that, (and that the Discusser is not ignorant of) that our Churches do not expostulate with our Members who hear in England, no not then, when there was more difference from us in manner of worship, then (through the mercy of God) now there is. The which the Discusser himself hath declared to have been no little Offence unto himself. Which maketh me the more to marvel, that he should now charge it upon us, that we compel all to come to hear in our Churches, against their Consciences: when he is wont to be offended, that we suffer them to hear in any true Church (though polluted) according to their Consciences.
I cannot say, nor doe I beleive, that any man is compelled to come to our Church, against his Conscience. Nay we are so farre from that, (and that the Discusser is not ignorant of) that our Churches doe not expostulate with our Members who heare in England, no not then, when there was more difference from us in manner of worship, then (through the mercy of God) now there is. The which the Discusser himselfe hath declared to have been no little Offence unto himselfe. Which maketh me the more to marvell, that he should now charge it upon us, that we compell all to come to heare in our Churches, against their Consciences: when he is wont to be offended, that we suffer them to heare in any true Church (though polluted) according to their Consciences.
Discusser.
Howsoever they cover the matter with this varnish, that none are compelled further unto their Churches, then unto the hearing of the word, unto which all men are bound: yet it will appear, that Teaching, and being taught in a Church Estate is a Church-worship, as true-and proper a Church-worship, as is the Supper of the Lord,