A80608:1417
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.
Mean while, I fear it is justly offensive to the Spirit of Grace, and Love, That whereas he judged me to allow my self, and others, to rest securely in the Doctrine, and Practise of bloody Persecution, that all this while (even for the space of nine or ten years) he suffered me to sleep so long so quietly under the guilt of such a ⟨p. 11⟩crying sin. Nay, it may seem by his own words, if he had not found my Letter public, it may be doubted whether ever I should have heard any further word from him hereabouts, at all. If I had been esteemed as a Brother, sin should not have been suffered to lie so long upon a Brother, Levit. 19.17. If an enemy, yet the very Ox or Ass of an enemy, is not to be suffered to lye so long grovelling under his burden, Deut. 22.4.
Meane while, I feare it is justly offensive to the Spirit of Grace, and Love, That whereas he judged me to allow my selfe, and others, to rest securely in the Doctrine, and Practise of bloudy Persecution, that all this while (even for the space of nine or ten yeares) he suffered me to sleep so long so quietly under the guilt of such a ⟨p. 11⟩crying sinne. Nay, it may seeme by his own words, if he had not found my Letter publick, it may be doubted whether ever I should have heard any further word from him hereabouts, at all. If I had been esteemed as a Brother, sinne should not have been suffered to lie so long upon a Brother, Levit. 19.17. If an enemy, yet the very Oxe or Asse of an enemy, is not to be suffered to lye so long groveling under his burden, Deut. 22.4.
But when he addeth in the next sentence; That he rejoiceth in the goodness, and wisdom of him, who is the Father of lights, and mercies, in ordering the season of his own present opportunity of Answer.