A80608:556
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.
Defender.
No marvel: for first the Pagan Religion was not of God, but palpable and gross Idolatry: But the Religion of Christians came down from Heaven, in the Gospel of Truth. It is cruelty in a Magistrate and it will beget in the minds of indifferent men, an opinion of his cruelty, to murder Innocents (and that indictâ cau•â:) when it will never be found guilty, nor beget in equal minds an opinion of the cruelty of such, as shall put to Death Murderers, and obstinate destroyers of the life of Souls.
No marvell: for first the Pagan Religion was not of God, but palpable and grosse Idolatry: But the Religion of Christians came downe from Heaven, in the Gospel of Truth. It is cruelty in a Magistrate and it will beget in the minds of indifferent men, an opinion of his cruelty, to murther Innocents (and that indictâ cau•â:) when it will never be found guilty, nor beget in equall minds an opinion of the cruelty of such, as shall put to Death Murderers, and obstinate destroyers of the life of Soules.
Secondly, It is evident, the persecuting Emperors, and their Governors of Provinces under them, attended not at all, to the conviction of Christians, nor did they endeavour to make it appear, that the Christians sinned against the Light of their own consciences: And therefore we marvel, if it bred in the people, a just opinion of the cruelty of Persecutors, and of the Innocency of Christians.
Secondly, It is evident, the persecuting Emperours, and their Governours of Provinces under them, attended not at all, to the conviction of Christians, nor did they indeavour to make it appeare, that the Christians sinned against the Light of their owne consciences: And therefore we marvell, if it bred in the people, a just opinion of the cruelty of Persecutors, and of the Innocency of Christians.