A80608:1384
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.
Such a Letter to such a purpose, I do remember I wrote unto Mr. Williams about half a score years ago. But whether this printed Letter be a true Copy thereof, or no, I do not know; for the Letter being sent so long since, and no Copy of it (that I can find) reserved by me; I can own it no further then I find the matter and style, expressing the judgement which I then had of his cause of Separation, and the affection I bare unto his person. And for ought I see, the Letter doth not unfitly express both.
SUch a Letter to such a purpose, I doe remember I wrote unto Mr. Williams about halfe a score yeares agoe. But whether this printed Letter be a true Copie thereof, or no, I doe not know; for the Letter being sent so long since, and no Copie of it (that I can finde) reserved by me; I can own it no further then I finde the matter and style, expressing the judgement which I then had of his cause of Separation, and the affection I bare unto his person. And for ought I see, the Letter doth not unfitly expresse both.
But how it came to be put in print, I cannot imagine. Sure I am it was without my privity: and when I heard of it, it was to me unwelcome News, as knowing the truth, and weight of Plinies speech, Aliud est scribere uni, aliud omnibus. There be who think it was published by Mr. Williams himself, or by some of his friends, who had the Copy from him. Which latter might be the more probable, because himself denieth the publishing of it: and it sticketh in my mind that I received many years ago, a refutation of it (in a brotherly and ingenuous way) from a stranger to me, but one (as I hear) well affected to him, Mr. Sabine Staresmore. To whom I had long ago returned an Answer, but that he did ⟨p. 2⟩not direct me where my Letter might find him. But I do not suspect Mr. Staresmore, nor Mr. Williams himself to have published it; but rather some other (unadvised) Christian, who (having gotten a copy of the Letter, took more liberty, then God alloweth, to draw forth a private Admonition to public notice in a disorderly way.