A80608:1205
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.
Defender.
I say, as Augustine sometime said in another case, Nunquid negandum quod certum est, quia comprehendi non potest, quod occultum est? There are depths of sundry Prophecies, which we yet comprehend not: but shall we therefore be always babes, and ignorant of the Fundamental Principles of Christian Religion? yea and suffer them to be shaken, and ruined, because there are some Prophesies, and Mysteries, which we yet understand not? shall the expectation of greater Light so dazzle our eyes before we see it, that we cannot be able to see, what we do see? It is not Light, but darkness, that cloudeth the Light already revealed. Nor is it darkness only, but blackness of darkness, that putteth Light for darkness, and darkness for Light, and would have both tolerated to live together in the same Hemisphere, because some blind Christians cannot yet tell, which is whether?
I say, as Augustine sometime said in another case, Nunquid negandum quod certum est, quia comprehendi non potest, quod occultum est? There are depths of sundry Prophecies, which we yet comprehend not: but shall we therefore be alwayes babes, and ignorant of the Fundamentall Principles of Christian Religion? yea and suffer them to be shaken, and ruined, because there are some Prophesies, and Mysteries, which wee yet understand not? shall the expectation of greater Light so dazle our eyes before wee see it, that we cannot be able to see, what wee doe see? It is not Light, but darknesse, that cloudeth the Light already revealed. Nor is it darknesse onely, but blacknesse of darknesse, that putteth Light for darknesse, and darknesse for Light, and would have both tolerated to live together in the same Hemispheare, because some blinde Christians cannot yet tell, which is whether?
It is true, the Experience of former Errors, and sense of present weaknesses, may justly abate the edge, and sheath up the Sword of persecution against any, that differ only in errors of weakness, and differ not in Doctrines of Faith, Repentance, and Holiness of heart, and life. Yea we willingly grant more, then the Discusser requireth in such a case. For though there should be some Difference in Doctrines of faith, or Repentance, or Holiness; Yet we should not approve the unsheathing of the Sword against such, unless the Doctrine were fundamentally subversive to faith, or Repentance, or Holiness, and that obstinately maintained against light, and conviction: and broached, and dispersed to the Infection, and Seduction of others.