A80608:1408
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 as for the true cause why I meddled not in his civill Censure, it was, chiefly because Civill Censures belong unto another Kingdom, then that which we are called to administer: (Civill Censures are not the weapons of our warfare:) and partly also because I was carried (as still I am) with a compassion of his Person, and likewise of his wife, (a woman as then, of a meek and modest spirit) who a long time suffered in spirit, (as I was informed) for his offensive course: which occasioned him for a season to withdraw communion in spiritual duties, even from her also, till at length he drew her to partake with him in the error of his way.
But as for the true cause why I medled not in his civill Censure, it was, chiefly because Civill Censures belong unto another Kingdome, then that which we are called to administer: (Civill Censures are not the weapons of our warfare:) and partly also because I was carried (as still I am) with a compassion of his Person, and likewise of his wife, (a woman as then, of a meek and modest spirit) who a long time suffered in spirit, (as I was informed) for his offensive course: which occasioned him for a season to withdraw communion in spirituall duties, even from her also, till at length he drew her to partake with him in the errour of his way.
But Mr. Williams affirmeth, That in Letters past between him, and me, he proved, and expressed, that if he had perished in that sorrowful winters flight, only the blood of Christ could have washed me from the guilt of his.
But Mr. Williams affirmeth, That in Letters past between him, and me, he proved, and exprest, that if he had perished in that sorrowfull winters flight, onely the bloud of Christ could have washed me from the guilt of his.
Answ. That he did express such a thing in some Letters to me, as I do not remember it, so neither will I deny it: but that he proved it, I may as safely deny it, as he boldly affirm it. Could he then have given any such proofs, doubtless he would not have concealed them now, when he undertaketh to clear to the world the pretended innocency of himself, and the supposed iniquity of his supposed Persecutors. How precious the blood of Christ is to me, and how needful (I bless the Lord) my soul knoweth: but that I needed it to wash away the guilt of any injurious proceedings against the blood of Mr. Williams, (I speak it in holy confidence) I never discerned it to this day. The proofs which he allegeth in the sequel for my hand in his Banishment, I shall (God willing) clear them anon in due place. Mean while, what answers I made to him concerning the same in other Letters, he wisely concealeth: but contenteth himself to tell us, that my final Answer was; That had he perished in his flight, his blood had been upon