A80608:1192
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.
Yea, but it is not confidence of being in the Truth (which they judge the Papists and others are not in) no nor the Truth it self that can privilege them to persecute others, and to exempt themselves from persecution, for three Considerations.
Yea, but it is not confidence of being in the Truth (which they judge the Papists and others are not in) no nor the Truth it selfe that can priviledge them to persecute others, and to exempt themselves from persecution, for three Considerations.
First, because it is against the nature of true sheep, to persecute, or hunt the Beasts of the Forrest, no not the Wolves, who have persecuted themselves.
Defender.
It is a feeble kind of reasoning, from a similitude in some things, to press a resemblance in every thing: Sheep do fitly resemble Christians in many proprieties: but he that shall therefore press ⟨p. 171⟩them to be like in all, shall not suffer a Magistrate (if he be a sheep of Christ) to punish Robbers, Adulterers, Murderers: why? for it is against the Nature of true sheep, to persecute any Beasts of the Forrest.