A80640:453
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 second Part (being Doctrinal, and Controversial) Concerning Congregational Churches and their Government.
The second Part (being Doctrinal, and Controversal) Concerning Congregational Churches and their Government.
The PREFACE.
The PRAEFACE.
The Author of the Book entitled Vindiciae Clavium, thought good to conceal his own Name, though in matters of Accusation (whereof the Book is full.) It was the manner of the Romans (and that Roman manner was but just and equal) to have the Accuser show himself face to face. Acts. 25.16. And indeed the equity and equality of Brotherly love would have required him either to have declared his own Name, or to have concealed mine as well as his own. A little love amongst Brethren would sooner heal the dissentions of Brethren, then great store of Books, breathing lust to contention. It is neither Presbyterians, nor those of the Congregational way (whom they call Independents) that do hinder either Reformation or Peace: but only the want of [Greek or Hebrew], the want of following and holding forth the Truth (or that which we believe to be the Truth) in love, on both sides: It is love that edifieth both souls and States.
THe Author of the Book intituled Vindiciae Clavium, thought good to conceal his own Name, though in matters of Accusation (whereof the Book is full.) It was the manner of the Romans (and that Roman manner was but just and equal) to have the Accuser shew himself face to face.