A80608:1549
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.
That I produced this Scripture alone to justify the Sentence of the Court, it was not for want of others, (if that had been the Question;) but because the scope of my Letter was, not to confirm the equity of his Banishment, but to convince the iniquity of his Separation. The mention of the cause of his civill Banishment fell in only upon the by, to remove an objection out of the way, that because I denied the act of the Court to be done by my counsel, or consent, therefore it might seem I disallowed the sentence. To prevent that mistake I acknowledged the righteousness of the Sentence, and for that end produced that Scripture, as that which might give both some just reason before God of his Civill Banishment: and also make way for the discovery of his sin of groundless Separation. Let no man be so far mistaken, as to think, that his Separation from the Churches, was either the chief difference between the Court and him, (though it was the chief between him and me in my Letter;) or that it was the chiefest offence for which he suffered, though he so pretended.
That I produced this Scripture alone to justifie the Sentence of the Court, it was not for want of others, (if that had been the Question;) but because the scope of my Letter was, not to confirme the equitie of his Banishment, but to convince the iniquitie of his Separation. The mention of the cause of his civill Banishment fell in onely upon the by, to remove an objection out of the way, that because I denied the act of the Court to be done by my counsell, or consent, therefore it might seeme I disallowed the sentence. To prevent that mistake I acknowledged the righteousnesse of the Sentence, and for that end produced that Scripture, as that which might give both some just reason before God of his Civill Banishment: and also make way for the discovery of his sinne of groundlesse Separation. Let no man be so farre mistaken, as to thinke, that his Separation from the Churches, was either the chiefe difference between the Court and him, (though it was the chiefe between him and me in my Letter;) or that it was the chiefest offence for which he suffered, though he so pretended.
What though neither corporal nor spiritual food may lawfully be sold or bought, but with the good will, and consent, and authority of the owner? &c.