A80640:306
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.
For first, the way of the New English Churches is not in the dark, but published to the view of the world, in the book so entitled (refuted by Mr. Rutherford:) as also in the Apology of these Churches, in the Covenant, in the Answer to 32. Questions; ⟨p. 68⟩in another answer to 9. Questions; in the answer to Mr. Herle, and to Mr. Rathbone. Some of our most populous Churches do no Church Act, no not of discipline, but in the presence of the whole Town, (non-members, as well as members) so many of them as are pleased to be present. Ways of truth seek no corners; if any Church admonish a brother privately, it is because his offence is not known to non-members.
For first, the way of the New English Churches is not in the dark, but published to the view of the world, in the book so entituled (refuted by Mr. Rutherford:) as also in the Apology of these Churches, in the Covenant, in the Answer to 32. Questions; ⟨p. 68⟩in another answer to 9. Questions; in the answer to Mr. Herle, and to Mr. Rathbone. Some of our most populous Churches do no Church Act, no not of discipline, but in the presence of the whole Towne, (non-members, as well as members) so many of them as are pleased to be present. Wayes of truth seeke no corners; if any Church admonish a brother privately, it is because his offence is not known to non-members.
Again, if in our discords, none of us have proclaimed our shame, whence hath Mr. Baily gathered all our shameful absurdities? The short story, (the greatest storehouse of his testimonies) what is it, but a fruit of our discords? Besides, if none that have fallen from us, have of purpose put pen to Paper to inform the world of our ways, what mean the bleatings of Plain• dealing, and Mr. Williams his Invectives against us, which yield a further supply to Mr. Bailies testimonies?
Againe, if in our discords, none of us have proclaimed our shame, whence hath Mr. Baily gathered all our shamefull absurdities? The short story, (the greatest storehouse of his testimonies) what is it, but a fruit of our discords? Besides, if none that have fallen from us, have of purpose put pen to Paper to informe the world of our wayes, what meane the bleatings of Plain dealing, and Mr. Williams his Invectives against us, which yeeld a further supply to Mr. Bailies testimonies?