A80608:1638
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.
And for smiting with the fist, and sword of Persecution, if Persecution be affliction for Righteousness sake, I would willingly learn of the Examiner, whom of all the Righteous I have smitten with the fist, or wounded with the sword? I speak according to his own meaning, meaning (as I suppose himself doth) neither bodily fist, nor material sword; but let him then Instance in some one, or other, that hath felt the heaviness of my fist, or the keenness of my sword, or else let him remember what the Spirit of God hath said (Psal. 31.18.) concerning such, as speak bitter things proudly, and contemptuously, (and I also add) injuriously, and falsely against those whom himself in the next line styleth holy, and beloved.
And for smiting with the fist, and sword of Persecution, if Persecution be affliction for Righteousnesse sake, I would willingly learne of the Examiner, whom of all the Righteous I have smitten with the fist, or wounded with the sword? I speake according to his own meaning, meaning (as I suppose himselfe doth) neither bodily fist, nor materiall sword; but let him then Instance in some one, or other, that hath felt the heavinesse of my fist, or the keennesse of my sword, or else let him remember what the Spirit of God hath said (Psal. 31.18.) concerning such, as speake bitter things proudly, and contemptuously, (and I also adde) injuriously, and falsely against those whom himselfe in the next line styleth holy, and beloved.
To the second, the Censure which he calleth unrighteous, and uncharitable; He confesseth, it pleased God to bring him near unto death: But his Answer he returneth in two things. 1. By deriving the cause of his sickness, not from his excessive heat in disputing against the testimonies, and writings of the Churches, and Elders, but from his excessive Labours on the Lords days, and thrice a week at Salem, by labours day and night in the field with his own hands, by travels day and night also to go, and return from the Court.