A80640:460
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.
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 ⟨p. 2⟩in my self. I believe, I doubt: I allow, I condemn: I hope, I fear: I love, I hate: I rejoyce, I grieve: I would, I would not: I do, I undo: the same self, the same thing, at the same time.
Nevertheless all this will not argue that which the Avenger saith; He hath heard, that I have often altered my Judgement since I went to New-England: Nor that the Author of the Keys does contradict the Author of the Way, which is himself.
Nevertheles all this will not argue that which the Avenger saith; He hath heard, that I have often altered my Judgement since I went to New-England: Nor that the Author of the Keys does contradict the Author of the Way, which is himself.