A80608:1639
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 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.
To the second, the Censure which he calleth unrighteous, and uncharitable; He confesseth, it pleased God to bring him neere unto death: But his Answer he returneth in two things. 1. By deriving the cause of his sicknesse, not from his excessive heate in disputing against the testimonies, and writings of the Churches, and Elders, but from his excessive Labours on the Lords dayes, and thrice a weeke at Salem, by labours day and night in the field with his own hands, by travels day and night also to goe, and returne from the Court.
Reply. The Court being held within twelve or fourteen miles distance from Salem, travel to, and fro, was no likely cause of such distemper. And whatsoever his Labours were in Town or Field, on the Lords Days, or week days, (I detract not from them;) but this is all I would say, That that sudden distemper fell not upon him, neither in the field at his labour, nor on the week days, or Lords days in his Preaching: but in his vehement public arguing against the writings, and testimonies of the Churches, and Brethren sent to him, and to the Church of Salem, against his corrupt ways. Wherein though I know, All things fall alike to all: yet if Moses himself (as well as Balaam) meet with a check in his journey from the hand of God, I believe it is a just call to consider; Is there not a lye in my right hand? Or is there not an Idol in my heart? or do I go about the work of God, in a way of God? Howsoever, it was far from me to upbraid your sickness, (as your marginal note taxeth;) but rather to call you to consider of your unprofitable, and perverse use of it.
Reply. The Court being held within twelve or fourteene miles distance from Salem, travell to, and fro, was no likely cause of such distemper. And whatsoever his Labours were in Towne or Field, on the Lords Dayes, or weeke dayes, (I detract not from them;) but this is all I would say, That that sodaine distemper fell not upon him, neither in the field at his labour, nor on the weeke dayes, or Lords dayes in his Preaching: but in his vehement publick arguing against the writings, and testimonies of the Churches, and Brethren sent to him, and to the Church of Salem, against his corrupt wayes. Wherein though I know, All things fall alike to all: yet if Moses himselfe (as well as Balaam) meet with a check in his journey from the hand of God, I beleeve it is a just call to consider; Is there not a lye in my right hand? Or is there not an Idol in my heart? or doe I goe about the worke of God, in a way of God? Howsoever, it was farre from me to upbraide your sicknesse, (as your marginall note taxeth;) but rather to call you to consider of your unprofitable, and perverse use of it.