A80608:1444
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. I could entreat some or other of Mr. Williams his acquaintance (whose words may find better acceptance with him, then mine do) to persuade him, not to attribute too much to his own Spirit of discerning; which though he truly saith, God doth vouchsafe to them that tremble at his word: yet I never read, nor heard, that God did vouchsafe a Spirit of discerning to any that are so far from trembling at the word, that they do not vouchsafe to hear the word from the mouth of so many thousand faithful Ministers of the Gospel. As for me, I desire not to neglect any word from the mouth of Mr. Williams, (upon what pretence soever spoken) that putteth me in mind of spiritual pride, arising out of the very sense of humility. Such smiting shall not break my head.
Answ. I could intreat some or other of Mr. Williams his acquaintance (whose words may finde better acceptance with him, then mine doe) to perswade him, not to attribute too much to his own Spirit of discerning; which though he truely saith, God doth vouchsafe to them that tremble at his word: yet I never read, nor heard, that God did vouchsafe a Spirit of discerning to any that are so farre from trembling at the word, that they doe not vouchsafe to heare the word from the mouth of so many thousand faithfull Ministers of the Gospel. As for me, I desire not to neglect any word from the mouth of Mr. Williams, (upon what pretence soever spoken) that putteth me in minde of spirituall pride, arising out of the very sence of humilitie. Such smiting shall not breake my head.
But when he concludeth with this Aphorism; Humility is never in season to set up superstition, or to persecute Gods children.
But when he concludeth with this Aphorisme; Humilitie is never in season to set up superstition, or to persecute Gods children.