A80608:1340
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.
For it is that which in stating the Question, I did in express terms deny, that any was to be persecuted for cause of Conscience: no not an Heretic, no not in a Church-way, much less in a civill way till being convinced in his own Conscience of his wickedness, he do stand out therein, not only against the Truth, but against the light of his own Conscience, that so it may appear, he is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but punished for sinning against his Conscience.
For it is that which in stating the Question, I did in expresse termes deny, that any was to be persecuted for cause of Conscience: no not an Heretick, no not in a Church-way, much lesse in a civill way till being convinced in his owne Conscience of his wickednesse, he do stand out therein, not only against the Truth, but against the light of his owne Conscience, that so it may appeare, he is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but punished for sinning against his Conscience.
Only this, I now further add, which I know not, whether I had not occasion to speak to in this Discourse hitherto (unless in a touch) that sometime it may be an aggravation of sin both in judgement and practise, that a man holdeth it, or committeth it in Conscience. But that is only in case, when a man hath been wonted to sin so oft against his light, and against the clear Principles of Truth, and godliness, that it may appear, the just curse of God hath given him up to a reprobate-blinded-mind, and seared Conscience. But of that we have not had occasion to dispute in this Discourse.
Onely this, I now further adde, which I know not, whether I had not occasion to speake to in this Discourse hitherto (unlesse in a touch) that sometime it may be an aggravation of sinne both in judgement and practise, that a man holdeth it, or committeth it in Conscience. But that is onely in case, when a man hath been wonted to sin so oft against his light, and against the cleare Principles of Truth, and godlinesse, that it may appeare, the just curse of God hath given him up to a reprobate-blinded-minde, and seared Conscience. But of that wee have not had occasion to dispute in this Discourse.