A80608:47
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.
3. It is readily granted, (that which is observed in the third place) That Gods people may live and die in such kinds of Worship, though light from the Word, whether publicly or privately hath been presented to them able to convince,
3. It is readily graunted, (that which is observed in the third place) That Gods people may live and die in such kindes of Worship, though light from the Word, whether publickly or privately hath been presented to them able to convince,
Nevertheless, that will not weaken the Conclusion (formerly mentioned, and afterwards further discussed) That Fundamentals are so clear, that a man cannot but be convinced in Conscience of the Truth of them after two or three Admonitions: and that therefore such a Person as still continueth obstinate, is condemned of himself: and if he then be punished, He is not punished for his Conscience, but for sinning against his own Conscience. For both these may well stand together, and are far of from crossing or contrarying one another. A set form of Prayer, though it be unlawful, yet it is not such a Fundamental Error either in judgement or practise, as cutteth off from fellowship with God: That is only a resolute Assertion of the Discusser, but a vouched without all colour or pretence from the Scripture. There is some resemblance and proportion between Praying and Prophesying; Moses used an unwarranted way and Form of Prophesying, when God Commanding him to speak to the Rock before the Congregation of Israel, He spake not to the Rock, but stroke it with his Rod, (for which he had no Commandment) and spake to the People and that in a Passion (and (and both without a Commandment) Numb. 20.8.11. And yet this did not cut off his Fellowship with God, nor Gods gracious Presence with him in giving water to the People, no not at that time, God knoweth how to be present with his People, in blessing their Administrations, and forgiving their iniquities, though he do take vengeance of their Inventions, Psal. 99.8.