A80608:206
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.
3. From this Toleration of persons holding but lesser errors, I observe the unmercifulness of such Doctrines and Hearts, that he, that is slightly and but a little hurt shall be suffered, & means vouchsafed for his cure: but the deep-wounded sinner, the Leprous, and Ulcerous &c. must not be suffered, until peradventure God may give them Repentance &c.
3. From this Toleration of persons holding but lesser errors, I observe the unmercifulnesse of such Doctrines and Hearts, that he, that is sleightly and but a little hurt shall be suffered, & meanes vouchsafed for his cure: but the deep-wounded sinner, the Leprous, and Vlcerous &c. must not be suffered, untill peradventure God may give them Repentance &c.
Defender.
And why doth he not aswell observe the unmercifulness of such States and Laws, as suffer petty thieves, and liars to live in their Townes & Cities: but will not suffer wilful murderers, & violent robbers to live amongst them? such as are tainted with lesser Errors, and it may be, whet them upon others, they are but as petty thieves, and liars: but such as after conviction do go on to subvert the Foundation of Christian Religion and to subvert and destroy the souls of Gods People, and stoutly rob them both of the means of Grace here, and of the inheritance of glory hereafter, they are worse then wilful murderers, or violent robbers. The Holy Ghost speaketh of false Teachers, as bringing in damnable Heresies,