A80608:1449
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.
His second Chapter is spent in answering to a double charge, which he saith, he observeth, I laid against him. Though in very Truth, I laid neither of them down as charges against him, but as discharges to my self from expecting that He should vouchsafe to hearken to my voice, who had refused to hearken both to the voice of the body of the whole Church of Salem (whereof he was a member) and to the voices of so many Elders, and brethren of other Churches.
His second Chapter is spent in answering to a double charge, which he saith, he observeth, I laid against him. Though in very Truth, I layd neither of them downe as charges against him, but as discharges to my selfe from expecting that He should vouchsafe to hearken to my voyce, who had refused to hearken both to the voyce of the body of the whole Church of Salem (whereof he was a member) and to the voyces of so many Elders, and brethren of other Churches.
But suppose I did charge him with a double sin in refusing to hearken to this double voice, (though I did not say it was a sin:) how doth he discharge himself? For neglect of the former, he excuseth himself by the charge of his Office, which lay upon him, on a Fast-day to discover to them eleven public sins, as causes of the present, and public calamities. Which most of the Church seemed at first to assent unto, until afterwards, the greater part of the Church (whether for fear of Persecution, or otherwise) was swayed, and bowed to practise such things, which with sighs and groans many of them mourned under.
But suppose I did charge him with a double sinne in refusing to hearken to this double voyce, (though I did not say it was a sinne:) how doth he discharge himselfe? For neglect of the former, he excuseth himselfe by the charge of his Office, which lay upon him, on a Fast-day to discover to them eleven publick sinnes, as causes of the present, and publick calamities. Which most of the Church seemed at first to assent unto, untill afterwards, the greater part of the Church (whether for feare of Persecution, or otherwise) was swayed, and bowed to practise such things, which with sighes and groanes many of them mourned under.