A80608:997
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.
Discusser.
If it be a mark of the Christian Church to be persecuted, and of the Antichristian or false Church, to persecute, then the Churches cannot be truly Christian (according to the first Institution) which either actually themselves, or by the civill Power of Kings and Princes given to them (or procured by them to fight for them) do persecute such as descent from them, or be opposite against them.
If it be a marke of the Christian Church to be persecuted, and of the Antichristian or false Church, to persecute, then the Churches cannot be truly Christian (according to the first Institution) which either actually themselves, or by the civill Power of Kings and Princes given to them (or procured by them to fight for them) doe persecute such as discent from them, or be opposite against them.
Defender.
I say again, if persecution be properly taken for the punishment of the Innocent for Truth, or Righteousness sake, it ought not to be found in a Christian Church, but is usually found in a false and Antichristian Church, but I cannot (as the Discusser doth) make it a mark of the Christian Church, to be persecuted, and a mark of a false Church to persecute. For a Mark is such a sign as belongeth, omni, soli, & semper, as a mark of the Church must agree to every Church, and at all times to the Church, and only to the Church. But to be persecuted, is not found in every true Church, at least not at all times: For after the conversion of Paul unto the Faith of Christ, the Churches had rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria,