A80640:45
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 first Separatist, which the Dissuader saith he hath read of, was one Bolton, who was a Minister of an old separate Congregation, and afterwards felt the sense of his Errors so grievous to his soul, (by the finger of Gods Justice stirring in his ⟨p. 4⟩conscience) that he did not only publicly at Pauls-cross recant them, but thereafter was so dogged with a desperate remorse, that he rested not till he had hanged himself.
The first Separatist, which the Disswader saith he hath read of, was one Bolton, who was a Minister of an old separate Congregation, and afterwards felt the sense of his Errors so grievous to his soul, (by the finger of Gods Justice stirring in his ⟨p. 4⟩conscience) that he did not onely publickly at Pauls-crosse recant them, but thereafter was so dogged with a desperate remorse, that he rested not till he had hanged himself.
Answ. 1. Though Bolton may have been the first Separatist that the Dissuader hath read of; yet he might have read of others before him. For in the Book called The Register of memorable matters touching Reformation, there is recorded a story of an hundred persons, who refused the common Liturgy, and the Congregations attending thereunto, and used prayers and preachings, and Sacraments amongst themselves: whereof 14 or 15 were sent to prison: Of whom the chiefest was Mr. Smith, with Mr. Nixon, James Ireland, Robert Hawkins, Thomas Boweland, and Richard Morecroft. And these pleaded their separation before the Lord Mayor, Bishop Sands, and other Commissioners on June 20. in the year 1567. which is about fourscore years ago; and this as it seemeth was many years before Bolton; for Mr. Baylie reckoneth the wandering of the Separatists to be about 50 years standing, (page 59.) but this Smith and his company was 30 years before.
Answ. 1. Though Bolton may have been the first Separatist that the Disswader hath read of; yet he might have read of others before him. For in the Book called The Register of memorable matters touching Reformation, there is recorded a story of an hundred persons, who refused the common Liturgie, and the Congregations attending thereunto, and used prayers and preachings, and Sacraments amongst themselves: whereof 14 or 15 were sent to prison: Of whom the chiefest was Mr. Smith, with Mr. Nixon, James Ireland, Robert Hawkins, Thomas Boweland, and Richard Morecroft. And these pleaded their separation before the Lord Mayor, Bishop Sands, and other Commissioners on June 20. in the year 1567. which is about fourscore years agoe; and this as it seemeth was many years before Bolton; for Mr. Baylie reckoneth the wandring of the Separatists to be about 50 years standing, (page 59.) but this Smith and his company was 30 years before.