A80640:211
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.
But because I would deal openly and ingenuously with Mr. Baylie, and hide nothing from him, that might fortify his accusation against me, there was some colour of my leaning to one Antinomian Tenet in one day of the Synod. For though in answer to the questions of the Elders before the Synod, I had affirmed Faith to be an instrument for the receiving the righteousness of Christ to our justification: yet for as much as some great Divines had let fall some expressions, that seemed to favour the Antinomian party in a contrary Tenet, I was desirous to hear that Point a little further ventilated, and to see the difficulties a little more fully cleared. Dr. Twice (not suspected for an Antinomian, much less for a Familist) in his vindiciae gratiae, de electione, Parte 2. Section. 25. Numero 5. bringeth in Arminius, arguing against Mr. Perkins, thus: The righteousness of Christ wrought or performed, is not ours, as wrought or performed, but as by Faith imputed to us. Whereto the Dr. answereth,
But because I would deale openly and ingenuously with Mr. Baylie, and hide nothing from him, that might fortify his accusation against me, there was some colour of my leaning to one Antinomian Tenent in one day of the Synod. For though in answer to the questions of the Elders before the Synod, I had affirmed Faith to be an instrument for the receiving the righteousnesse of Christ to our justification: yet for as much as some great Divines had let fall some expressions, that seemed to favour the Antinomian party in a contrary Tenent, I was desirous to hear that Point a little further ventilated, and to see the difficulties a little more fully cleared. Dr. Twisse (not suspected for an Antinomian, much lesse for a Familist) in his vindiciae gratiae, de electione, Parte 2. Section. 25. Numero 5. bringeth in Arminius, arguing against Mr. Perkins, thus: The righteousnesse of Christ wrought or performed, is not ours, as wrought or performed, but as by Faith imputed to us. Whereto the Dr. answereth,
Before Faith, ⟨p. 49⟩this Righteousness of Christ was ours, and in the intention of God the Father, and of Christ our Mediator, was wrought for us. And because it is wrought for us, therefore God in his own time will give it us, and Grace of every kind, even Faith it self amongst the rest. But Faith coming, (which the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts) then at length this love of God to us in Christ, is acknowledged & perceived. Whence it is, that the Righteousness of Christ is said to be imputed to us, by Faith, because it is not discerned to be imputed to us, but by Faith: and then we are said to be justified with that kind of Justification, & absolution from sin, which breedeth peace in our Consciences. And this (saith he) I confirm by two arguments. 1. Because by the Righteousness of Christ, we obtain not only Remission of sins, but Faith it self, and Repentance, as it is written, God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ,