A80640:285
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.
Answ. 1. I conceive it is not allowable in Presbyterial discipline, (sure I am, not in Congregational) that an accusation shall be received against an Elder under one witness, though he gracious and a Preacher: especially when this gracious Preacher is nameless, and his testimony hovereth in generalities, without instance in particular offences: as That all the Brethren were exceedingly scandalized with Mr. Cottons carriage in Mistress Hutchinson's process, but not expressing what carriage, nor what process, nor wherein they were scandalized.
Answ. 1. I conceive it is not allowable in Presbyteriall discipline, (sure I am, not in Congregationall) that an accusation shall be received against an Elder under one witnesse, though he gratious and a Preacher: especially when this gratious Preacher is namelesse, and his testimony hovereth in generalities, without instance in particular offences: as That all the Brethren were exceedingly scandalized with Mr. Cottons carriage in Mistris Hutchinsons processe, but not expressing what carriage, nor what processe, nor wherein they were scandalized.
And that all the Brethren did so far discountenance him, and severely admonish him, as that he was thereby brought to the greatest shame, and confusion, and grief of mind, that ever in all his life he endured. But no mention for what offence they did so severely admonish him, nor wherein they did so far discountenance him.
And that all the Brethren did so far discountenance him, and severely admonish him, as that he was thereby brought to the greatest shame, and confusion, and grief of minde, that ever in all his life he endured. But no mention for what offence they did so severely admonish him, nor wherein they did so farre discountenance him.
Such words of infamy, and reproach may pass for Table talk, (which yet moral Philosophy would not approve:) but surely in orderly Church-Discipline, such dealing could not pass without just reproof, unless there were too much prejudice or partiality, the rule is plain and obvious, and not now the first time violated in the Dissuasive, 2 Tim. 5.19.