A80640:236
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.
The answer is very easy both to Mr. Williams, and Mr. Baylie too, that Mr. Williams speaketh of the times before his banishment: then indeed he had some fellowship with us, and might have had more, but that he suspected all the Statos conventus of the Elders to be unwarrantable, and such as might in time make way to a Presbyterial government. But this Testimony, which he giveth about my nearness to Separation from these Churches, was many years after his banishment from us, when he was in no fellowship with us, sacred nor civill, nor came any whit near any private or public agitation amongst us, nor could have any intelligence of our affairs, but by report and fame, which is tam ficti pravique tenax, quam nuncia veri, and is indeed in this point, most false.
The answer is very easie both to Mr. Williams, and Mr. Baylie too, that Mr. Williams speaketh of the times before his banishment: then indeed he had some fellowship with us, and might have had more, but that hee supected all the Statos conventus of the Elders to bee unwarrantable, and such as might in time make way to a Presbyteriall government. But this Testimony, which hee giveth about my neerenesse to Separation from these Churches, was many yeares after his banishment from us, when hee was in no fellowship with us, sacred nor civill, nor came any whit neer any private or publick agitation amongst us, nor could have any intelligence of our affaires, but by report and fame, which is tam ficti pravique tenax, quam nuncia veri, and is indeed in this point, most false.
But yet (saith Mr. Baylie) the truth of this horrible fall (of Mr. Cotton) if you will not take it, neither from the followers of Ms. Hutchinson, nor from the Testimony of Mr. Williams: yet we may not reject the witness of Mr. Winthrop, and of Mr. Wells in their printed relations of the Schisms there. Both these, albeit, with all care and study, they endeavour to save Mr. Cottons credit: yet they let the truth of Mr. Cottons Seduction fall from their Pens in so clear terms, as cannot be avoided: yea so clear, as no Art will get Mr. Cotton cleared.
But yet (saith Mr. Baylie) the truth of this horrible fall (of Mr. Cotton) if you will not take it, neither from the followers of Ms. Hutchinson, nor from the Testimony of Mr. Williams: yet wee may not reject the witnesse of Mr. Winthrop, and of Mr. Wells in their printed relations of the Schismes there. Both these, albeit, with all care and study, they endeavour to save Mr. Cottons credit: yet they let the truth of Mr. Cottons Seduction fall from their Pens in so clear termes, as cannot bee avoided: yea so clear, as no Art will get Mr. Cotton cleared.