A80608:895
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.
This was not passed by, but prevented in stating the Question, where it was said, it is not lawful to censure any, no not for error in Fundamental points of Doctrine or Worship, till the Conscience of the offender, be first convinced (out of the word of God) of the dangerous error of his way, and then if he still persist, It is not out of Conscience, but against his Conscience (as the Apostle saith Tit. 3.11.) & so he is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but punished for sinning against his Conscience.
This was not passed by, but prevented in stating the Question, where it was said, it is not lawfull to censure any, no not for error in Fundamentall points of Doctrine or Worship, till the Conscience of the offendor, be first convinced (out of the word of God) of the dangerous error of his way, and then if he still persist, It is not out of Conscience, but against his Conscience (as the Apostle saith Tit. 3.11.) & so he is not persecuted for cause of Conscience, but punished for sinning against his Conscience.
Discusser.
The King observeth that most lamentably true experience of all ages, That persecution for cause of Conscience, hath ever proved pernicious, &c.