A80640:139
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the…
The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A dissuasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book entitled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.The way of Congregational churches cleared in two treatises. In the former, from the historical aspersions of Mr. Robert Baylie, in his book, called, A disswasive from the errors of the time. In the latter, from some contradictions of Vindicæ Clavium : and from, some mis-constructions of learned Mr. Rutherford in his book intituled The due right of presbyteries. / By Mr. John Cotton, sometime preacher at Boston in Lincoln-shire, and now teacher of the Church at Boston, in New-England.
London: printed by Matthew Simmons for John Bellamie, 1648
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.
Mr. Edwards his Antapology, I have not had the opportunity to come by, much less to read: and therefore I cannot tell what sense to make of those words which Mr. Baylie quoteth out of him (in H:) and wherein he saith, Mr. Goodwin was bold to boast of me in terms beyond the bounds of moderation. Sure I am, Mr. Goodwin was not wont to be accounted, either a bold man, or a boaster. I have many years known him and his modesty, and abhorrency both from boldness and boasting: and if Mr. Baylie take up a report to the contrary from Mr. Edwards ⟨p. 27⟩(who is but one witness, and it may be prejudiced) I dare not follow Mr. Baylie herein, but must allow Mr. Goodwin the privilege of an Elder, against whom no accusation is to be received under two or three witnesses, 1 Tim. 5.19. By what rule therefore Mr. Baylie receiveth this testimony against Mr. Goodwin, by one single witness, he may do well to consider. Sure I am, it agreeth not with the Rules either of Congregational or Classical Church-government.
Mr. Edwards his Antapology, I have not had the opportunity to come by, much lesse to read: and therefore I cannot tell what sense to make of those words which Mr. Baylie quoteth out of him (in H:) and wherein he saith, Mr. Goodwin was bold to boast of me in terms beyond the bounds of moderation. Sure I am, Mr. Goodwin was not wont to be accounted, either a bold man, or a boaster. I have many years known him and his modesty, and abhorrency both from boldnesse and boasting: and if Mr. Baylie take up a report to the contrary from Mr. Edwards ⟨p. 27⟩(who is but one witnesse, and it may be prejudiced) I dare not follow Mr. Baylie herein, but must allow Mr. Goodwin the priviledge of an Elder, against whom no accusation is to be received under two or three witnesses, 1 Tim. 5.19. By what rule therefore Mr. Baylie receiveth this testimony against Mr. Goodwin, by one single witnesse, he may doe well to consider. Sure I am, it agreeth not with the Rules either of Congregationall or Classicall Church-government.