A80608:1576
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.
TO CHAP. VI.
Though my Letter expresseth, That it may be the Court passed that sentence against Mr. Williams, not upon that ground, (from Prov. 11.26.) but for ought I know, for his other corrupt Doctrines (suitable to his Practises) tending to the disturbance of Civill, and holy Peace: Yet I do not therefore question (as he saith I seem to ⟨p. 47⟩do) the sandiness of such a ground (as that place of Scripture) to warrant such proceedings; nor do I therein confess that my self had no distinct knowledge of the causes of his Banishment.
THough my Letter expresseth, That it may be the Court passed that sentence against Mr. Williams, not upon that ground, (from Prov. 11.26.) but for ought I know, for his other corrupt Doctrines (suitable to his Practises) tending to the disturbance of Civill, and holy Peace: Yet I doe not therefore question (as he saith I seeme to ⟨p. 47⟩doe) the sandinesse of such a ground (as that place of Seripture) to warrant such proceedings; nor doe I therein confsesse that my selfe had no distinct knowledge of the causes of his Banishment.
For I did not allege that place of Scripture, as a ground upon which the Court proceeded to his Banishment: and therefore I said in my Letter, it may be they passed Sentence not upon that ground. But I alleged it as a reason, which provoked the Lord to move the Court to proceed against Mr. Williams, for such other offensive, and disturbant Doctrines, and Practises against the Patent, and against the oath of fidelity, and against the Magistrates delay of the Petition of Salem, which he himself knoweth, I had distinct knowledge of before, which maketh me the more to marvel at his wonder, Where was my waking care in his behalf; Whereas he knoweth I spent a great part of the Summer in seeking by word and writing to satisfy his scruples in the former particulars: until he rejected both our callings, and our Churches. And even then I ceased not to follow him still, with such means of conviction, and satisfaction in that Point also, as God brought to my hand: whereof this very Letter, (which he examineth, and answereth) is a pregnant, and evident demonstration.