A80640:227
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.
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.
I considered, If we removed, it would be matter of much various construction amongst such as knew us, both in Old-England, and New; and I was loth to do any thing, (especially of importance) but what I might give account of before God, and his people; I took advice therefore of some friends here, especially Mr. Davenport, and resolved, first to clear the certainty of the grounds of the information given me of the rejections of those godly persons (of whom I had heard) for their judgments sake in those points. 2. To see if my continuance here would certainly, or ⟨p. 54⟩probably breed any further offensive agitation: And 3. If both those things were found clearly, then to take opportunity with common consent to remove to Quinipya•k whereto at that time a door was opened.
I considered, If wee removed, it would be matter of much various construction amongst such as knew us, both in Old-England, and New; and I was loth to doe any thing, (especially of importance) but what I might give account of before God, and his people; I took advice therefore of some friends here, especially Mr. Davenport, and resolved, first to clear the certainty of the grounds of the information given mee of the rejections of those godly persons (of whom I had heard) for their judgments sake in those points. 2. To see if my continuance here would certainly, or