A80640:226
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.
This took the deeper impression upon me, because I saw by this means, we should receive no more Members into our Church, but such as must profess themselves of a contrary judgment to what I believed to be a Truth. Besides I was informed, that it was the judgment of some of place, in the Country, that such a Doctrine of Union, and evidencing of Union, as was held forth by me, was the Trojan Horse, out of which all the erroneous Opinions and differences of the Country did issue forth.
This took the deeper impression upon me, because I saw by this meanes, wee should receive no more Members into our Church, but such as must professe themselves of a contrary judgment to what I beleeved to bee a Truth. Besides I was informed, that it was the judgment of some of place, in the Countrey, that such a Doctrin of Union, and evidencing of Union, as was held forth by mee, was the Trojan Horse, out of which all the erroneous Opinions and differences of the Countrey did issue forth.
Hereupon, fearing this might in time breed a renewal of Paroxysms, I called to mind the intent of my coming hither, which was, not to disturb, but to edify the Churches here: and therefore began to entertain thoughts rather of peaceable removal then of offensive continuance. At the same time there was brought to me a writing, subscribed with about threescore hands to encourage me to removal, and offering their readiness to remove with me into some other part of this Country.
Hereupon, fearing this might in time breed a renewall of Parozysmes, I called to mind the intent of my comming hither, which was, not to disturb, but to edify the Churches here: and therefore began to entertain thoughts rather of peaceable removall then of offensive continuance. At the same time there was brought to mee a writing, subscribed with about threescore hands to encourage me to removall, and offering their readinesse to remove with mee into some other part of this Countrey.