A80640:402
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.
Thirdly, it is too gross and heavy an aggravation, which Mr. Baylie putteth upon us, if he mean it of us, That our profession of piety is so fair that we stand aloof from all reformed Churches as unclean, because of their mixture with the profane multitude.
Thirdly, it is too grosse and heavy an aggravation, which Mr. Baylie putteth upon us, if he meane it of us, That our profession of pietie is so faire that wee stand aloose from all reformed Churches as uncleane, because of their mixture with the prophane multitude.
For it is more then he can prove, or we do profess. Though in the Bishops time, we did not forthwith receive all the members of the Church of England into the fellowship of our Churches: yet (for ought I know) we are not likely to stand aloof from Presbyterial Churches faithfully administered, nor from the testimony which they shall give of their members, that may have occasion to Traffic hither. And the like do I conceive of other reformed Churches in other Nations of Christendom. Presbyterian Churches faithfully administered, are not wont to admit a mixed profane multitude to the Lords Table.
For it is more then he can prove, or we doe professe. Though in the Bishops time, we did not forthwith receive all the members of the Church of England into the fellowship of our Churches: yet (for ought I know) wee are not likely to stand aloose from Presbyteriall Churches faithfully administred, nor from the testimony which they shall give of their members, that may have occasion to Traffick hither. And the like doe I conceive of other reformed Churches in other Nations of Christendome. Presbyterian Churches faithfully administred, are not wont to admit a mixt prophane multitude to the Lords Table.
Sixthly, let me take off one instance more, which Mr. Baylie giveth of one abomination, which to him seemeth strange. That the Midwives to our most zealous women, should not only have familiarity with the Devil, but also in that service commit devilish Malefices: which so far as they tell us, were not only past over without punishment, but never so much as enquired after.