Lastly, I have been given to understand by Mr. Simson, one of the reverend Divines of the Assembly, that Mr. Cotton upon the receiving and perusing this treatise of mine, seemed to be moved therewith not a little; and that in such a way, as not to be provoked thereby, but rather to incline to the receiving of satisfaction! Mr. Cotton is a Divine whom I never saw; but so much I have heard of his piety and parts of learning, that his name shall ever be of reverend remembrance with me. Nevertheless, because this discourse of his, whereunto I address my answer, is in the hands of many, and some of them may be strengthened in their erroneous ways, by this writing of his; and I have heard, that certain Arminians have taken advantage, to justify them in their ways, from some passages in this very discourse of Mr. Cottons: Others, though orthodox, may hereby be misled into error, in such sort, as to corrupt both themselves and their brethren into such opinions (too pleasing unto flesh and blood) as may shake the orthodox doctrine of Gods free grace, in the precious points of Election, Predestination, & Regeneration. This danger I desire to prevent; and upon my knowledge, my labour and pains herein have bin taken in very good part, by those who are the very good friends of Mr. Cotton; and some not his good friends only, but great and right well approved of by Mr. Cotton himself; they have deserved no less at his hands. The God of all grace, bring all his into an unity of faith, in the acknowledgement of his grace, which is the only sure way unto glory.
Lastly, I have been given to understand by Mr. Simson, one of the reverend Divines of the Assembly, that Mr. Cotton upon the receiving and perusing this treatise of mine, seemed to be moved therewith not a little; and that in such a way, as not to be provoked thereby, but rather to incline to the receiving of satisfaction! Mr. Cotton is a Divine whom I never saw; but so much I have heard of his pietie and parts of learning, that his name shall ever be of reverend remembrance with me. Neverthelesse, because this discourse of his, whereunto I addresse my answer, is in the hands of many, and some of them may be strengthned in their erroneous wayes, by this writing of his; and I have heard, that certaine Arminians have taken advantage, to justifie them in their wayes, from some passages in this very discourse of Mr. Cottons: Others, though orthodox, may hereby be misled into errour, in such sort, as to corrupt both themselves and their brethren into such opinions (too pleasing unto flesh and bloud) as may shake the orthodox doctrin of Gods free grace, in the precious points of Election, Predestination, & Regeneration. This danger I desire to prevent; and upon my knowledge, my labour and paines herein have bin taken in very good part, by those who are the very good friends of Mr. Cotton; and some not his good friends onely, but great and right well approved of by Mr. Cotton himselfe; they have deserved no lesse at his hands. The God of all grace, bring all his into an unitie of faith, in the acknowledgement of his grace, which is the onely sure way unto glory.
