A80608:1543
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.
This interceding of my self, and other Elders in his behalf, gave me just occasion of that profession above-mentioned, That I had sought to deliver him, who without cause reproached me.
This interceding of my selfe, and other Elders in his behalfe, gave me just occasion of that profession above-mentioned, That I had sought to deliver him, who without cause reproached mee.
The issue was when the Church of New-Town, with our own, and others had endeavoured to convince both Mr. Williams of these offences, and the Church of Salem of their indulgent toleration ⟨p. 39⟩of him therein; it pleased the Lord to open the hearts of the Church to assist us in dealing with him: but he in stead of hearkening, either to them, or us, renounced us all, as no Churches of Christ: and therefore not at all to be hearkened unto.
The issue was when the Church of New-Towne, with our owne, and others had endeavoured to convince both Mr. Williams of these offences, and the Church of Salem of their indulgent toleration ⟨p. 39⟩of him therein; it pleased the Lord to open the hearts of the Church to assist us in dealing with him: but he in stead of hearkening, either to them, or us, renounced us all, as no Churches of Christ: and therefore not at all to be hearkened unto.
Whereupon the Magistrates being to assemble to the next General Court at New-Town, intending (as appeared by the event) to proceed against him: And one of the Magistrates of our Town being to go thither, acquainted me that it was likely Mr. Williams his cause would then be issued, and asked me what I thought of it. Truly (said I,) I pity the man, and have already interceded for him, whilst there was any hope of doing good. But now he having refused to hear both his own Church, and us, and having rejected us all, as no Churches of Christ before any conviction, we have now no more to say in his behalf, nor hope to prevail for him. We have told the Governor, and Magistrates before, that if our labour was in vain, we could not help it, but must fit down. And you know they are generally so much incensed against his course, that it is not your voice, nor the voices of two, or three more, that can suspend the Sentence. Some further speech I had with him of mine own marvel at the weakness, and slenderness of the grounds of his opinions, motions, and courses, and yet carried on with such vehemency, and impetuousness, and prefidence of Spirit.