A80608:1962
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.
Reply. 1. If there were hardly ever any conscientious Separatist, who was not first a Puritan, then it seemeth, that if there be any Conscience in the Separatists, it was first wrought in them by the Ministers of those whom he calleth Puritans.
2. Say it were true, that he pretendeth, That the principles and grounds of Puritanism, did enforce Separation:) yet I do not understand, what it maketh to the point in hand.
2. Say it were true, that he pretendeth, That the principles and grounds of Puritanisme, did enforce Separation:) yet I doe not understand, what it maketh to the point in hand.
3. Neither do I understand, how it suiteth with the Examiners profession who is wont to renounce all communion with Antichristian inventions, so frequently to take up into his mouth and pen the Nickname of Puritans: which was at first devised by Sanders the Jesuit, to cast a reproach upon the persons and way of reformers, to render them suspicious and odious to the State. The righteous hand of the Lord struck him with madness who invented the name: nor doth he delight in them that delight to take up a reproach against the innocent.
3. Neither doe I understand, how it suiteth with the Examiners profession who is wont to renounce all communion with Antichristian inventions, so frequently to take up into his mouth and pen the Nickname of Puritans: which was at first devised by Sanders the Jesuite, to cast a reproach upon the persons and way of reformers, to render them suspicious and odious to the State. The righteous hand of the Lord struck him with madnesse who invented the name: nor doth he delight in them that delight to take up a reproach against the innocent.