A80608:1312
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.
This violence to the souls & bodies of men is often charged upon us by the Discusser: But he hath not yet given us an instance of any one soul or body, which hath undergone this violence from us. Si Accusasse fufficiat, quis innocens exit? It is no new practise to be an Accuser of the Brethren: neither is their any slander so false or scurrilous, but findeth ready, yea and greedy entertainment even of many professors, especially such, whose best Religion lieth in the observing and censuring the ways of others. How welcome to such, are evil reports of them, that dare not allow themselves in any known evil?
This violence to the souls & bodyes of men is often charged upon us by the Discusser: But he hath not yet given us an instance of any one soule or body, which hath undergone this violence from us. Si Accusasse fufficiat, quis innocens exit? It is no new practise to be an Accuser of the Brethren: neither is their any slaunder so false or scurrilous, but findeth ready, yea and greedy intertainment even of many professors, especially such, whose best Religion lyeth in the observing and censuring the wayes of others. How welcome to such, are evill reports of them, that dare not allow themselves in any knowne evill?
This acknowledgement of our weakness and imperfection would then truly appear to be neither faithful nor upright, if we Preached or practised violence against such, in comparison of whom we acknowledge our own weakness and imperfection. Mean while we may well stand and wonder, what rules and Grounds of ours those be, by which we ought to proceed even to the killing of those, whom we judge so dear unto us, and in respect of Godliness far above us?
This acknowledgement of our weaknesse and imperfection would then truly appeare to be neither faithfull nor upright, if wee Preached or practised violence against such, in comparison of whom we acknowledge our own weaknesse and imperfection. Meane while we may well stand and wonder, what rules and Grounds of ours those be, by which wee ought to proceed even to the killing of those, whom wee judge so deare unto us, and in respect of Godlynesse far above us?