A80608:518
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.
I must be contented still to lie under that imputation from him. I never knew that Church yet, nor ever read of it, in which there was not, (or at least might not) be found, some unconverted Christians, unconverted Converts. Judas was found in Christs Family: Ananias and Sapphira, in the Apostolic Primitive Church: Balaam and the Nicholaitans were found in Pergamus, and Jezebel in Thyatira.
I must be contented still to lie under that imputation from him. I never knew that Church yet, nor ever read of it, in which there was not, (or at least might not) be found, some unconverted Christians, unconverted Converts. Judas was found in Christs Family: Ananias and Sapphira, in the Apostolick Primitive Church: Balaam and the Nicholaitans were found in Pergamus, and Jesabel in Thyatira.
Besides I have not yet learned, (nor do I think, I ever shall) that the children of believing Parents borne in the Church, are all of them Pagans, and no Members of the Church: or that being Members of the Church, (& so holy) that they are all of them truly converted. And if they be not always truly converted, then let him not wonder, nor stumble at the phrase of unconverted Christians.
Besides I have not yet learned, (nor doe I thinke, I ever shall) that the children of beleiving Parents borne in the Church, are all of them Pagans, and no Members of the Church: or that being Members of the Church, (& so holy) that they are all of them truly converted. And if they be not alwayes truly converted, then let him not wonder, nor stumble at the phrase of unconverted Christians.
But if the Discusser do sadly observe it, that my soul hath not yet heard the call of the Lord Jesus to come out of unconverted Churches: truly I have just cause (not without sadness and mourning) to consider, and to pray, that he might consider, what call of the Lord Jesus his soul hath heard to come out, not only out of unconverted Churches, but converted too, yea out of all Churches?