A80608:2095
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 is well known, that sundry of them are so sincere and constant in their profession, that as they have suffered much for the cause of Christ, against humane corruptions in Gods worship: so they would be ready to suffer yet more, for neglecting to come to Church, if they suspected any humane corruption at all in it.
It is well knowne, that sundry of them are so sincere and constant in their profession, that as they have suffered much for the cause of Christ, against humane corruptions in Gods worship: so they would be ready to suffer yet more, for neglecting to come to Church, if they suspected any humane corruption at all in it.
Again, It is well known, that any stranger in London, (by removing now and then his lodging) may escape not only persecution, but observation, for a longer time, then any of our hearers are ordinarily wont to sojourn there: Besides, in this time of universal freedom from all persecution during this long Parliament, why do not our members of these Churches forbear to hear the Word in the Parishes now, when there is no fear nor danger at all of persecution, for not coming to Church?
Againe, It is well knowne, that any stranger in London, (by removing now and then his lodging) may escape not onely persecution, but observation, for a longer time, then any of our hearers are ordinarily wont to sojourne there: Besides, in this time of universall freedome from all persecution during this long Parliament, why doe not our members of these Churches forbeare to heare the Word in the Parishes now, when there is no feare nor danger at all of persecution, for not coming to Church?
His sixth and last particular consideration is, That how ever Mr. Cotton saith, He hath not found such presence of Christ and evidence of the Spirit in such (separate) Churches, as in the Parishes: What should be the reason of their great rejoicings and boastings of their own separations in New-England, in so much, that some of the most eminent amongst them have affirmed, that even the Apostles Churches were not so pure? Surely if the same new English Churches were in Old England, they could not meet in Old England without persecution: which therefore in Old England they avoid, by frequenting the way of Church-worship in the Parishes, which in New-England they persecute.