A80608:1163
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.
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, Acts 2.46.
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 appeare, 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, Acts 2.46.
I cannot call to mind, that either upon that colour, or any other, any man in this Country was ever compelled to hear the word of God, in any of our Churches, in this Country. But there is indeed some colour for the varnish he speaketh of: but not that which he pretendeth (our compulsion of any man for to hear:) but a controversy with himself upon another occasion, as I remember.
I cannot call to mind, that either upon that colour, or any other, any man in this Country was ever compelled to heare the word of God, in any of our Churches, in this Country. But there is indeed some colour for the varnish he speaketh of: but not that which he pretendeth (our compulsion of any man for to heare:) but a controversie with himselfe upon another occasion, as I remember.
The Discusser sometimes endeavoured to draw away the Church of Salem (whereof he was sometime Teacher) from holding Communion with all the Churches in the Bay, because we tolerated our Members to hear the word in the Parishes of England. We to satisfy him in that, held forth (that which here he calleth a varnish) that hearing was a common Duty lying upon all men, where the word of God was truly taught. He replied, as he doth now, that Teaching and hearing in a Church-Estate is Church worship,