A80640:228
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 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 ⟨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.
But when I came to enquire the certainty of these informations, in conference with some of our chief Magistrates and others, I found, though there had speech been about such points between themselves, and some passengers: yet their refusal of such passengers was not upon those points, but (as I remember) upon denial of inherent righteousness in believers, and of any evidence of a good estate from thence, first or last. Withal, they declared to me their minds touching such points of Union, or evidencing of Union, which I had taught, that they did not look at them to be of such Fundamental concernment either to civill or Church-Peace, as needed to occasion any distance in heart, (much less in place) amongst godly brethren. Which when I heard from them, and found upon search, the mis-informations given me, were but misprisions, I then laid down all thoughts of removal, and sat down satisfied in my abode amongst them, and have so continued (by the help of God) to this day. By all this may appear the truth of what I said, that though I had thoughts of removal, yet not with Ms. Hutchinson, she being gone to Road Island, but I intending Quinipyack. Much less had I any thoughts of Separation from all the Churches of New-England: for the Churches in Quinipiack are in New-England. And those Churches at the Bay (amongst whom I lived) It was far from my thoughts to separate from them, whom I ever truly honoured as the holy Spouses of Jesus Christ. Nor did I ever look at such Points, as any just ground of Separation from any Church, (so much as in place, much less in Communion:) no nor any just ground of removal from them, unless a man were compelled to profess contrary to his judgment. And least of all durst I turn my back upon such Churches as Legal Synagogues, who do all of us hold Union with Christ, and evidencing of Union by the same Spirit, and the same Faith and the same holiness: though some may conceive the Union wrought in giving the habit, and others rather refer it to the act: and some may give the second place to that, whereto others give the first.