A80608:1529
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.
Whereto he answereth, first, That he observeth, I cannot but confess, that it is hard for any man to do good, or to speak effectually to the soul, or Conscience of any, whose body he afflicteth, and persecuteth, and that only for their soul and Conscience sake.
Whereto he answereth, first, That he observeth, I cannot but confesse, that it is hard for any man to doe good, or to speake effectually to the soule, or Conscience of any, whose body he afflicteth, and persecuteth, and that onely for their soule and Conscience sake.
Reply. All that can truly be observed from my words is, That it is hard for any to take good from those, against whom they have conceived a prejudice, whether justly, or unjustly. But when he subjoineth a Serpentine, that is, a subtle, and venomous insinuation, as if I had afflicted, and persecuted his body, and that only for his soul, and Conscience sake.
Reply. All that can truely be observed from my words is, That it is hard for any to take good from those, against whom they have conceived a prejudice, whether justly, or unjustly. But when he subjoyneth a Serpentine, that is, a subtile, and venomous insinuation, as if I had afflicted, and persecuted his body, and that onely for his soule, and Conscience sake.
Answ. I have been so far from afflicting, or persecuting his body, (especially for his soul, or conscience sake) that in very truth, whilst I had any hope of prevailing for him, I may say, as David said for himself, against a like slander, Psal. 7.3, 4. I have sought to deliver him who without cause reproacheth me.