A80640:147
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.
I should think my self a most unhappy man, if England should be the less happy for my sake. Mr. Baylie doth either undervalue England, or overvalue me; if he think the happiness or unhappiness of England doth stand or fall upon any deliberate or precipitate act of mine.
I should think my self a most unhappy man, if England should be the lesse happy for my sake. Mr. Baylie doth either undervalue England, or overvalue me; if he think the happinesse or unhappinesse of England doth stand or fall upon any deliberate or precipitate act of mine.
But what think ye, was that rash and precipitate act of mine, which hath impeached the happiness of England? It was, saith he, that change of my mind. What change was that? That which I mention in a Letter to some friends in Boston, That if I were with them again, I durst not take that liberty which sometimes I had done: I durst not join in Book-prayers: I durst not now partake in the Sacrament with you: to wit, in respect ⟨p. 29⟩of those scandalous persons who communicate with you, and will settle upon their Lees with the more security by your fellowship with them.
But what think ye, was that rash and precipitate act of mine, which hath impeached the happinesse of England? It was, saith he, that change of my minde. What change was that? That which I mention in a Letter to some friends in Boston, That if I were with them again, I durst not take that liberty which somtimes I had done: I durst not joyn in Book-prayers: I durst not now partake in the Sacrament with you: to wit, in respect ⟨p. 29⟩of those scandalous persons who communicate with you, and will settle upon their Lees with the more security by your fellowship with them.