A80608:935
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.
I noted indeed the sinful end of Julian the Apostate in tolerating all Religions and Heresies, to aim at the choking of the vitals of Christianity. Of Valens I noted the like sinful practise of Tolerating all Religions: but did not express his end. But what I spake of the end, concerned Julian: and I sp•ke of it not of mine own imagination, (though he that shall read the stories of his Apostasy, and malignity against the Name of Christ, and Christians, might easily believe and speak it without rashness:) but I speak it out of a grave and judicious Author, who lived near those times, I mean Augustine, who in his 166, Epistle, thus expresseth Julians both practise, and end. Julianus deserter ⟨p. 135⟩Christi, et Inimicus, Haereticis libertatem perditionis permisit, et tum Basilicas Haereticis reddidit, quando Templa Daemonijs; Eo modo putáns, Christianum Nomen posse perire, de Terris, sivanitati Ecclesiae, de qua lapsus fuerat, invideret, et sacrilegas Dissensiones liberas esse permitteret, that is, Julian, the forsaker, and enemy of Christ, Permitted to Heretics liberty of perdition: and at the same time restored Palaces (or royal meeting-houses) to Heretics, when the Temples to Devils; thinking by this means, the Christian Name might perish from the earth, if he should envy that unity to the Church, from which himself fell, and permit Sacrilegious Dissensions to enjoy their liberty.
I noted indeed the sinfull end of Julian the Apostate in tolerating all Religions and Heresies, to aime at the choaking of the vitalls of Christianity. Of Valens I noted the like finfull practise of Tolerating all Religions: but did not expresse his end. But what I spake of the end, concerned Julian: and I sp•ke of it not of mine owne imagination, (though he that shall read the stories of his Apostacy, and malignity against the Name of Christ, and Christians, might easily beleive and speake it without rashnesse:) but I speake it out of a grave and judicious Authour, who lived neere those times, I meane Aligustine, who in his 166, Epistle, thus expesseth Julians both practise, and end. Julianus deserter