A80608:1935
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 seemeth, he thinketh, I neither remember mine own words, nor know any Church-Censure, but Excommunication.
He proceedeth to tell us his judgement in so weighty a case as excommunication or separation is: It is not (saith he) every sore of infirmity, or ignorance, but an Ulcer or Gangrene of obstinacy, for ⟨p. 112⟩which I maintained, that a person ought to be cut off, or a Church separated from.
He proceedeth to tell us his judgement in so waighty a case as excommunication or separation is: It is not (saith he) every sore of infirmitie, or ignorance, but an Ʋlcer or Gangreene of obstinacy, for ⟨p. 112⟩which I maintained, that a person ought to be cut off, or a Church separated from.
I know not how this judgement of his may satisfy his neighbours; but a good Conscience willing to walk by rule, would still inquire, (where it was meet) First, whether every obstinacy, even before conviction, and that in a sin less heinous, be such an ulcer, or Gangrene, for which either a person ought to be cut off, or a Church separated from? For there is an obstinacy against a good way, as there is a scorning of a good way, which is before conviction, even of ignorance: and to these Wisdom communicateth good Counsel, Prov. 1.20.22. But there is a scorning, and so an obstinacy, after conviction, and to such, Wisdom refuseth to communicate any wholesome words, Prov. 9.8, 9