A80608:1202
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 in the mean time, it doth not follow, that they are no Magistrates, who are not able to do all the Duties of a Magistrate. Neither will it follow, that they must judge according to their Consciences, when their Consciences are blind, and erroneous, Pagan, Turkish, Antichristian. Let them first cast Beams out of their own eyes, and then they will better discern between Beam, and motes in other men.
But in the meane time, it doth not follow, that they are no Magistrates, who are not able to doe all the Duties of a Magistrate. Neither will it follow, that they must judge according to their Consciences, when their Consciences are blind, and erroneous, Pagan, Turkish, Antichristian. Let them first cast Beames out of their owne eyes, and then they will better discerne between Beame, and motes in other men.
Discusser.
Thirdly, the Experience of our Fathers errors, and of our own mistakes and ignorance, the sense of our own weaknesses, and blindness in the depths of the Prophecies and mysteries of the Kingdom of Christ, ⟨p. 172⟩and the great professed Expectation of the Light to come, which we are not now able to comprehend, may abate the edge and sheath up the Sword of Persecution against any, especially such as differ not from them in Doctrines of Repentance, or Faith, or Holiness of heart, and life, but only in the way, and manner of the Administration of Jesus Christ.
Thirdly, the Experience of our Fathers errours, and of our owne mistakes and ignorance, the sense of our owne weaknesses, and blindnesse in the depths of the Prophecies and mysteries of the Kingdome of Christ, ⟨p. 172⟩