A80608:19
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.
Discusser.
This distinction is not full and complete. For besides both these, a man may be persecuted for cause of Conscience, because he dare not be constrained to yield obedience to such Doctrines and worships, as are by men Invented, and Appointed; As the three famous Jews were cast into the fiery Furnace (in a non-conformity to the whole conforming world) before the Golden Image, Dan. 3.21. &c.
This distinction is not full and compleate. For besides both these, a man may be persecuted for cause of Conscience, because he dare not be constrained to yeild obedience to such Doctrines and worships, as are by men Invented, and Appointed; As the three famous Jewes were cast into the fiery Furnace (in a non-conformity to the whole conforming world) before the Golden Image, Dan. 3.21. &c.
Defender.
Thus a man may find a knot in a Bulrush, yea thus a man that were disposed might find fault with the Comforts of God for not being full and Complete: with the Affirmative Comforts, because they do not express the Negative; and with the Negative, because they do not express the Affirmative. He that maketh it persecution for cause of Conscience, when a man is punished for professing such Doctrine, which he believeth in Conscience to be the truth, he maketh it (a Pari) Persecution for cause of Conscience, when a man is punished for Renouncing such Doctrines, which he believeth in Conscience to be Erroneous. And he that maketh it Persecution for cause of Conscience, when a man is punished for practising such a work, which he believes in conscience to be a Religious duty, He maketh it no less Persecution for cause of Conscience, when a man is punished for not practising such a work, which he believeth in Conscience to be a sin.