A80608:926
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.
If it be true, that these be Scripture terms, and by his own acknowledgement truly appliable to Heretics and Schismatics, then, it seemeth, the Discusser hath learned this Language of Ashdod, that the Scripture it self, and Truth it self speaketh the roaring Language of Lyon-like Persecution. For he acknowledgeth, the Scripture useth the same terms, and Truth verifieth the same things. In Sum, It is as much to say, as Paul had learned the roaring and railing Language of Lyon-like Pharaoh: Pharaoh told the Children of Israel, ye are idle, ye are idle, Exod. 5.17. And Paul had learned to say as much to the Cretans by his Letter to Titus, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and flow bellies Tit. 1.12. But is it so indeed? may not the same reproof unjustly cast upon Gods servants, be justly applied to Gods enemies, w•en (by the Discussers own confession) it may be applied truly? If Persecutors misapply Scripture Terms, & rebukes to Christs Witnesses falsely, may not a servant of God apply the same truly, as the Scripture applieth them, but he shall be thought to learn to speak not the Language of Scripture, but the Language of persecutors?
If it be true, that these be Scripture termes, and by his owne acknowledgement truly applyable to Hereticks and Schismaticks, then, it seemeth, the Discusser hath learned this Language of Ashdod, that the Scripture it self, and Truth it selfe speaketh the roaring Language of Lyon-like Persecution. For he acknowledgeth, the Scripture useth the same termes, and Truth verefieth the same things. In Summe, It is as much to say, as Paul had learned the roaring and railing Language of Lyon-like Pharoah: Pharoah told the Children of Israel, yee are idle, yee are idle, Exod. 5.17. And Paul had learned to say as much to the Cretians by his Letter to Titus, The Cretians are alwayes liars, evill beasts, and flow bellyes Tit. 1.12. But is it so indeed? may not the same reproofe unjustly cast upon Gods servants, be justly applyed to Gods enemies, w•en (by the Discussers owne confessi•n) it may be applyed truly? If Persecutors misapply Scripture Termes, & rebukes to Christs Witnesses falsely, may not a servant of God apply the same truly, as the Scripture applyeth them, but he shall be thought to learne to speake not the Language of Scripture, but the Language of persecutors?