A80614:39
The controversy concerning liberty of conscience in matters of religion, truly stated, and distinctly…The controversie concerning liberty of conscience in matters of religion, truly stated, and distinctly…
The controversy concerning liberty of conscience in matters of religion, truly stated, and distinctly and plainly handled, by Mr. John Cotton of Boston in New-England. By way of answer to some arguments to the contrary sent unto him, wherein you have, against all cavils of turbulent spirits, clearly manifested, wherein liberty of conscience in matters of religion ought to be permitted, and in what cases it ought not, by the said Mr. Cotton.The controversie concerning liberty of conscience in matters of religion, truly stated, and distinctly and plainly handled, by Mr. John Cotton of Boston in New-England. By way of answer to some arguments to the contrary sent unto him, vvherein you have, against all cavils of turbulent spirits, clearly manifested, wherein liberty of conscience in matters of religion ought to be permitted, and in what cases it ought not, by the said Mr. Cotton.
London: printed for Thomas Banks, 1646
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The Answer of Mr. John Cotton of Boston in New-England to the aforesaid Arguments against persecution for cause of conscience.
The Answer of Mr. John Cotton of Buston in New-England to the aforesaid Arguments against persecution for cause of conscience.
The question which you put is, whether persecution for cause of conscience be not against the doctrine of Jesus Christ the King of Kings.
THe question which you put is, whether persecution for cause of conscience be not against the doctrine of Jesus Christ the King of Kings.
Now by persecution for cause of conscience, I conceive you mean either for professing some point of doctrine; which you believe in conscience to be a truth, or for practising some work which in conscience you believe to be a Religious duty.
Now in points of Doctrine some are fundamental, without right belief whereof a man cannot be saved; others are circumstantial or less principal, wherein men may differ in judgment without prejudice of salvation on either part. In like o, in points of practise, some concern the weightier duties of the Law, as, what God we worship, and with what kind of worship; whether such, as if it be right, Fellowship with God is held; if corrupt, Fellowship with him is lost.