A80608:1388
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.
But for mine own part, whatsoever thoughts, others (who seem to know him well) have conceived of his Spirit, and course in these things: yet I choose rather to leave all Judgement of him, to Him, who seeth, and searcheth the heart, and reins, and will one day bring every secret thing, yea the very thoughts, and intents of the sons of men, unto righteous Judgement.
But for mine own part, whatsoever thoughts, others (who seeme to know him well) have conceived of his Spirit, and course in these things: yet I choose rather to leave all Judgement of him, to Him, who seeth, and searcheth the heart, and reines, and will one day bring every secret thing, yea the very thoughts, and intents of the sonnes of men, unto righteous Judgement.
Nevertheless, seeing the Tree is known by his fruits, I do rather apprehend, that he knowing the Spirit breatheth where he pleaseth, and conceiving himself to have received a clearer illumination and apprehension of the estate of Christs Kingdom, and of the purity of holy Communion, then all Christendom (yea even Christendom it self is an unsavoury word to him) he therefore taketh it to be his duty, to give public advertisement, and admonition to all men, whether of meaner note, (such as my self) or of more public note, and place, of the corruptions of Religion, which himself observeth in their judgement, and practice. Neither would I deny, but that (to use his own words) God sometimes stirreth up one Elijah against eight hundred of Baals Priests, one Micajah against four hundred of Ahab's Prophets; one Athanasius against many hundreds of Arian Bishops; one John Hus against the whole Council of Constance; Luther and the two witnesses against many thousands, &c. And therefore I durst not neglect, much less despise any advertisement from him alone against so many; provided that the word of the Lord be found in his mouth, or pen. I come therefore to consider, and weigh what he saith to my self, without prejudice against him, and (I hope) without partiality to my self.
Neverthelesse, seeing the Tree is knowne by his fruits, I doe rather apprehend, that he knowing the Spirit breatheth where he pleaseth, and conceiving himselfe to have received a clearer illumination and apprehension of the estate of Christs Kingdome, and of the purity of holy Communion, then all Christendome (yea even Christendome it selfe is an unsavoury word to him) he therefore taketh it to be his duty, to give publique advertisement, and admonition to all men, whether of meaner note, (such as my selfe) or of more publique note, and place, of the corruptions of Religion, which himselfe observeth in their judgement, and practice. Neither would I deny, but that (to use his own words) God sometimes stirreth up one Elijah against eight hundred of Baals Priests, one Micajah against foure hundred of Ahabs Prophets; one Athanasius against many hundreths of Arrian Bishops; one John Hus against the whole Councell of Constance; Luther and the two witnesses against many thousands, &c. And therefore I durst not neglect, much lesse despise any advertisement from him alone against so many; provided that the word of the Lord be found in his mouth, or pen. I come therefore to consider, and weigh what he saith to my selfe, without prejudice against him, and (I hope) without partiality to my selfe.