A80640:459
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
Part 2 › Preface: The PREFACE.Part 2 › Preface: The PRAEFACE.
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.
But since the Author of Vindiciae is pleased to conceal his Name▪ I therefore think it not amiss (for brevities sake, and to prevent a long Periphrasis of the Author of Vindiciae Clavium) when I am occasioned to name him (which is very often) only to take leave to call him Vindex, or (in English) sometime the Assertor, sometime the Avenger; which both the Title and Purport of his Book, do hold him forth to be, as acting the part of both.
But since the Author of Vindiciae is pleased to conceal his Name▪ I therefore think it not amiss (for brevities sake, and to prevent a long Periphrasis of the Author of Vindiciae Clavium) when I am occasioned to name him (which is very often) onely to take leave to call him Vindex, or (in English) sometime the Assertor, sometime the Avenger; which both the Title and Purport of his Book, do hold him forth to be, as acting the part of both.
The scope of his Book (so far as it concerneth me) is chiefly to show forth my weaknesses and contradictions, as his Title manifesteth. But if Christ may have any glory by that, I shall willingly acknowledge (without his accusation, and much more without his conviction) that I am made up of weaknesses and contradictions. The best good in me is but weak at the best: and that which is corrupt, is weakness it self. If there be Old and New man in me (as by the grace of Christ I see what I am) verily I cannot but find a bundle, not only of contradictions, but of contrafactions ⟨p. 2⟩in my self. I believe, I doubt: I allow, I condemn: I hope, I fear: I love, I hate: I rejoice, I grieve: I would, I would not: I do, I undo: the same self, the same thing, at the same time.
The scope of his Book (so far as it concerneth me) is chiefly to shew forth my weaknesses and contradictions, as his Title manifesteth. But if Christ may have any glory by that, I shall willingly acknowledge (without his accusation, and much more without his conviction) that I am made up of weaknesses and contradictions. The best good in me is but weak at the best: and that which is corrupt, is weaknes it self. If there be Old and New man in me (as by the grace of Christ I see what I am) verily I cannot but finde a bundle, not onely of contradictions, but of contrafactions