A80608:1796
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.
It is true which he saith, The Lord Jesus hath broken down all difference of Places, (Joh. 4.) and all difference of Persons, Acts 10. To wit, in regard of ceremonial pollution, or ceremonial holiness. But if he think, there is no difference between one City, or Country more then another in moral pollutions of Idolatry, & superstition, unrighteousness and uncleanness, he maketh himself a greater stranger both to the Word and to the world, then I did think he had been.
It is true which he saith, The Lord Jesus hath broken downe all difference of Places, (Joh. 4.) and all difference of Persons, Acts 10. To wit, in regard of ceremoniall pollution, or ceremoniall holinesse. But if he thinke, there is no difference between one Citie, or Countrey more then another in morall pollutions of Idolatry, & superstition, unrighteousnesse and uncleannesse, he maketh himselfe a greater stranger both to the Word and to the world, then I did thinke he had been.
The two causes of Gods Indignation against England, which he suggesteth, are worthy due consideration and attention. I would rather say Amen to them, then weaken the weight of them. Only I should so assent to the latter, as not to move for a Toleration of all Dissenters, Dissenters in Fundamentals, and that out of obstinacy against conscience, and Seducers, to the perdition of souls, and to the disturbance of Civill and Church-Peace: but only of such Dissenters, as vary either in matters of less weight, or of fundamental, yet not out of wilful obstinacy, but out of tenderness of Conscience.
The two causes of Gods Indignation against England, which he suggesteth, are worthy due consideration and attention. I would rather say Amen to them, then weaken the weight of them. Onely I should so assent to the latter, as not to moove for a Toleration of all Dissenters, Dissenters in Fundamentalls, and that out of obstinacy against conscience, and Seducers, to the perdition of soules, and to the disturbance of Civill and Church-Peace: but onely of such Dissenters, as vary either in matters of lesse weight, or of fundamentall, yet not out of wilfull obstinacy, but out of tendernesse of Conscience.