A80608:1952
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 give Answer to this, the Examiner bestoweth many Chapters. His first Answer is, (that which is not unworthy to be attended to, by all whom it concerneth,) That doubtless the Lord hath a great Controversy with the Land for their such violent pursuit and persecution of both. For both of them have borne witness to several truths of the Lord Jesus. Albeit, I deny not, the one party might have borne witness to more points of Truth: the other might have borne witness to fewer, and so have less exceeded bounds of Truth. To make the English Churches, and their Ministries, and their Worship, and their Professors, either nullities, or Antichristian, is a witness not only beyond the truth, but against the Truth of the Lord Jesus, and his word of Truth.
To give Answer to this, the Examiner bestoweth many Chapters. His first Answer is, (that which is not unworthy to be attended to, by all whom it concerneth,) That doubtlesse the Lord hath a great Controversie with the Land for their such violent pursuit and persecution of both. For both of them have borne witnesse to severall truths of the Lord Jesus. Albeit, I deny not, the one party might have borne witnesse to more points of Truth: the other might have borne witnesse to fewer, and so have lesse exceeded bounds of Truth. To make the English Churches, and their Ministeries, and their Worship, and their Professors, either nullities, or Antichristian, is a witnesse not onely beyond the truth, but against the Truth of the Lord Jesus, and his word of Truth.
But for their sufferings; The Puritans (saith he) have not suffered comparatively to the other, (as but seldom Congregating in separate Assemblies from the common:) And none of them suffering unto death for the way of Non-Conformitie. Indeed (saith he) the worthy witness Mr. Udall was near unto death for his witness against Bishops, and Ceremonies; But Mr. Penry, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Greenwood followed the Lord Jesus, with their Gibbets, and were hanged with him, and for him, in the way of separation. Many more have been condemned in dye, banished, and choked in Prisons, whom I could produce upon occasion.
But for their sufferings; The Puritans (saith he) have not suffered comparatively to the other, (as but seldome Congregating in separate Assemblies from the common:) And none of them suffering unto death for the way of Non-Conformitie. Indeed (saith he) the worthy witnesse Mr. Udall was neere unto death for his witnesse against Bishops, and Ceremonies; But Mr. Penry, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Greenwood followed the Lord Jesus, with their Gibbets, and were hanged with him, and for him, in the way of separation. Many more have been condemned in dye, banished, and choaked in Prisans, whom I could produce upon occasion.