A80608:1647
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.
But surely the ordinary manner of Gods dispensation of himself to his servants, is otherwise; even to those that have been most precious in his sight. Job hath sometimes complained, that God took him for his enemy, Job 13.24.26. David sometimes complaineth, that he was cut off from before Gods eyes, Psal. 31.22. And that God sometimes hid his face from him, Psal. 30.7. That his soul was also sore vexed with the sense of Gods anger, and hot displeasure, Psal. 6.1. 3 Asaph also complaineth of the same, in Psal. 77. and Heman the Ezrahite in Psal. 88. and Hezekiah in Isai. 38. If the Lord have dealt more indulgently with Mr. Williams, he hath the more cause to walk humbly, and circumspectly, and fruitfully before the Lord, which is the worst that I wish him. And let him also consider, that whilst he liveth under the Sun, himself is not exempted from the dangerous Inmate of a deceitful heart. As for Master Smith he standeth, and falleth to his own Master: whilst he was Preacher to the City of Lincoln, he wrought with God then: what temptations befell him after, by the evil workings of evil men, and some good men too, I choose rather to tremble at, then discourse of. If I had made use of his Principles, and Arguments, (as this Examiner saith I have) it is more then my self know: for I have not been acquainted with sundry of his writings, as being discouraged with that one, wherein he maketh Original sin an idle name. Albeit, I refuse not to learn from any man, as being conscious to my self of mine own emptiness.
But surely the ordinary manner of Gods dispensation of himselfe to his servants, is otherwise; even to those that have been most precious in his sight. Job hath sometimes complained, that God tooke him for his enemy, Job 13.24.26. David sometimes complaineth, that he was cut off from before Gods eyes,