A80608:1410
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.
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 ⟨p. 10⟩his own head: It was his sin to procure it, and his sorrow to suffer it.
Answ. That he did expresse such a thing in some Letters to me, as I doe not remember it, so neither will I deny it: but that he proved it, I may as safely deny it, as he boldly affirme it. Could he then have given any such proofes, doubtlesse he would not have concealed them now, when he undertaketh to cleare to the world the pretended innocency of himselfe, and the supposed iniquitie of his supposed Persecutors. How precious the bloud of Christ is to me, and how needfull (I blesse the Lord) my soule knoweth: but that I needed it to wash away the guilt of any injurious proceedings against the bloud of Mr. Williams, (I speake it in holy confidence) I never discerned it to this day. The proofes which he alledgeth in the sequell for my hand in his Banishment, I shall (God willing) cleare them anon in due place. Meane while, what answers I made to him concerning the same in other Letters, he wisely concealeth: but contenteth himselfe to tell us, that my finall Answer was; That had he perished in his flight, his bloud had been upon ⟨p. 10⟩his own head: It was his sinne to procure it, and his sorrow to suffer it.