A80608:153
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.
Where though I say, That it is not lawful to persecute any, though erring in Fundamental and weighty Points, till after once or twice admonition: I do not therefore say, (as the Discusser reporteth me) that after once or twice admonition, then such Consciences may be persecuted: But that if such a man after such Admonition shall still persist in the Error of his way, and be therefore punished, He is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against his own Conscience.
Where though I say, That it is not lawfull to persecute any, though erring in Fundamental and weighty Points, till after once or twice admonition: I doe not therefore say, (as the Discusser reporteth me) that after once or twice admonition, then such Consciences may be persecuted: But that if such a man after such Admonition shall still persist in the Error of his way, and be therefore punished, He is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but for sinning against his own Conscience.
Object. But he that sayeth, It is not lawful to persecute any Heretic till after once or twice admonition, He doth as much as say, that after once or twice admonition, It is then lawful to persecute any Heretic.
Object. But he that sayeth, It is not lawfull to persecute any Heretick till after once or twice admonition, He doth as much as say, that after once or twice admonition, It is then lawfull to persecute any Heretick.
Ans. Not so neither, neither every Heretic, nor in every Court. Not in every Court or Judicature. But the same Church that followed an Heretic, with once or twice admonition, was further to pursue him, if he remain obstinate, with excommunication; my words do express two things:
Ans. Not so neither, neither every Heretick, nor in every Court. Not in every Court or Judicature. But the same Church that followed an Heretick, with once or twice admonition, was further to pursue him, if he remaine obstinate, with excommunication; my words doe expresse two things: