A80608:1231
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.
His second Answer falleth short in this respect, that though a soul wounded and killed may recover again, yet the very murderous Attempt of killing a soul, in abusing an Ordinance of God, in corrupting Religion, is a capital crime, whether the soul dye of that wound or no: or if it dye whether it be recovered, or no. Thine eye shall not spare him, because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God, Deut 13.10. Though he did not thrust thee away, yet because he sought to do it he shall dye.
His second Answer falleth short in this respect, that though a soule wounded and killed may recover againe, yet the very murderous Attempt of killing a soule, in abusing an Ordinance of God, in corrupting Religion, is a capitall crime, whether the soule dye of that wound or no: or if it dye whether it be recovered, or no. Thine eye shall not spare him, because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God, Deut 13.10. Though hee did not thrust thee away, yet because he sought to doe it hee shall dye.
His third Answer hath been removed above. Church-censures are sufficient to heal the Heretic, if he belong to God, and to remove the guilt of his wickedness from the Church: but not sufficient, to prevent his further spreading of the Leaven of his corruption: nor sufficient to cleanse the Common-wealth from the guilt of such Rebellion, as hath been taught by him against the Lord.
His third Answer hath been removed above. Church-censures are sufficient to heale the Heretick, if he belong to God, and to remove the guilt of his wickednesse from the Church: but not sufficient, to prevent his further spreading of the Leaven of his corruption: nor sufficient to cleanse the Common-wealth from the guilt of such Rebellion, as hath been taught by him against the Lord.