A80608:1423
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.
MY Letter to Mr. Williams, (which he undertaketh to Examine, and Answer) began (it seemeth) with this Compellation of him, Beloved in Christ. For I considered, he had been not only a member, but an Officer of the Church at Salem: and though from thence he was then Excommunicate; yet I took the Apostles Commandment for a Rule, Account him not as an enemy, but Admonish him as a Brother, 2 Thes. 3.14. If a Brother of the Church, (though cast out of the Church, yet not cast out of Christ) then in Christ, at least in judgement of charity. And if in Christ (though but in judgement of charity, yet) in charity to be Beloved.
MY Letter to Mr. Williams, (which he undertaketh to Examine, and Answer) began (it seemeth) with this Compellation of him, Beloved in Christ. For I considered, he had been not onely a member, but an Officer of the Church at Salem: and though from thence he was then Excommunicate; yet I took the Apostles Commandement for a Rule, Account him not as an enemy, but Admonish him as a Brother, 2 Thes. 3.14. If a Brother of the Church, (though cast out of the Church, yet not cast out of Christ) then in Christ, at least in judgement of charity. And if in Christ (though but in judgement of charity, yet) in charity to be Beloved.
But (saith Mr. Williams) how can it be well-pleasing to Christ, that one beloved in Christ, should be so afflicted, and persecuted by himself, and others, (for such causes) as to be denied the common air to breath in, and a civill cohabitation upon the same common earth, yea and also without mercy, and humane compassion, be exposed to winter miseries in an howling Wilderness?
But (saith Mr. Williams) how can it be well-pleasing to Christ, that one beloved in Christ, should be so afflicted, and persecuted by himselfe, and others, (for such causes) as to be denyed the common ayre to breath in, and a civill cohabitation upon the same common earth, yea and also without mercy, and humane compassion, be exposed to winter miseries in an howling Wildernesse?