A80640:554
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 Testimony which he allegeth from Reverend Parker, and Baynes, and the Parisian School, doth indeed argue, that the fruit and effect of the gifts of Pastor and Teacher doth redound to the good of the Church (which no man denieth:) but M. Rutterford well knoweth, that Parker, and the Parisian School, do grant further (even more then I argue for) that the Church is not only the object and end, but the first subject also of all Church-Power: which though M. Baynes wave (in the place alleged by him:) and dispute thereupon both against M. Parker and the Parisian School (under the name of Sorbonists;) yet he clearly closeth with M. Parker and us, in the conclusion; That the visible Church instituted by Christ and his Apostles, to which the Keys are given, is not a Diocesan, or Provincial, or National Assembly, but a particular Congregation: Diocesans trial, Q. 1. But if M. Rutterford intend no more but this, That the Church is not capable of exercise of the Pastors and Doctors place, and therefore is not the first subject of their Office-power; I for my part readily close with him therein, reserving due respect to others of different judgement.
The Testimony which he alledgeth from Reverend Parker, and Baynes, and the Parisian School, doth indeed argue, that the fruit and effect of the gifts of Pastor and Teacher doth redound to the good of the Church (which no man denieth:) but M. Rutterford well knoweth, that Parker, and the Parisian School, do grant further (even more then I argue for) that the Church is not onely the object and end, but the first subject also of all Church-Power: which though M. Baynes wave (in the place alledged by him:) and dispute thereupon both against M. Parker and the Parisian School (under the name of Sorbonists;) yet he clearly closeth with M. Parker and us, in the conclusi•n; That the visible Church instituted by Christ and his Apostles, to which the Keyes are given, is not a Diocesan, or Provinciall, or Nationall Assembly, but a particular Congregation: Diocesans triall, Q. 1. But if M. Rutterford intend no more but this, That the Church is not capable of exercise of the Pastors and Doctors place, and therefore is not the first subject of their Office-power; I for my part readily close with him therein, reserving due respect to others of different judgement.