A80608:2109
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.
But least this word might profit himself, (as self-love is apt to apply a word of threatening to any rather then to it self) he applieth it to Mr. Cotton, and to every soul, (to whom these lines of his may come) seriously to consider, in this Controversy, if the Lord Jesus were himself in person in Old, or New-England, what Church, what Ministry, what Worship, what Government he would set up, and what persecution he would practise toward them that would not receive him.
But least this word might profit himselfe, (as selfe-love is apt to apply a word of threatening to any rather then to it selfe) he applieth it to Mr. Cotton, and to every soule, (to whom these lines of his may come) seriously to consider, in this Controversie, if the Lord Jesus were himselfe in person in Old, or New-England, what Church, what Ministery, what Worship, what Government he would set up, and what persecution he would practise toward them that would not receive him.
For Answer, let me say in a word, this point hath been seriously considered already: and let it be still considered and pondered in the Balance of the Sanctuary, and doubtless, for the first of these points, it will be found, that if the Lord Jesus were here himself in person, he would set up no other Church, nor Ministry, nor worship, nor government, then what himself hath appointed in his Word: which though the Examiner, and many others, have sought and searched what enormities they might find in it, yet they have wearied themselves, and found nothing. So true is the faithful promise of the Lord Jesus, that he hath built his Church upon a Rock, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, nor against the Ordinances thereof.
For Answer, let me say in a word, this point hath been seriously considered already: and let it be still considered and pondered in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, and doubtlesse, for the first of these points, it will be found, that if the Lord Jesus were here himselfe in person, he would set up no other Church, nor Ministery, nor worship, nor government, then what himselfe hath appointed in his Word: which though the Examiner, and many others, have sought and searched what enormities they might finde in it, yet they have wearied themselves, and found nothing. So true is the faithfull promise of the Lord Jesus, that he hath built his Church upon a Rock, and the gates of Hell shall not prevaile against it, nor against the Ordinances thereof.