A80640:71
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
Treatise 1 › Chapter 3 › Section 1: Of the Title put upon us of A Sect, Independents.
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.
SECT. I. Of the Title put upon us of A Sect, Independents.
The way of the Churches in New-England is neither justly called a Sect, nor fitly called Independency. Not a Sect; for we profess the Orthodox Doctrine of Faith, the same with all Protestant Churches; we celebrate the same Sacraments; and submit to the spiritual government of the same lawful Guides, so far as Christ and our own choice hath set them over us. And though we do not subject our selves to the Government of the Elders of other Churches, (as many great Churches do,) yet we acknowledge and reverence such Churches in the Lord, as ⟨p. 11⟩true Churches of Christ, and are willing to make use of their Brotherly counsel and help as need shall require.
THe way of the Churches in New-England is neither justly called a Sect, nor fitly called Independency. Not a Sect; for we professe the Orthodox Doctrine of Faith, the same with all Protestant Churches; we celebrate the same Sacraments; and submit to the spirituall government of the same lawfull Guides, so farre as Christ and our own choyce hath set them over us. And though we doe not subject our selves to the Government of the Elders of other Churches, (as many great Churches doe,) yet we acknowledge and reverence such Churches in the Lord, as ⟨p. 11⟩true Churches of Christ, and are willing to make use of their Brotherly counsell and help as need shall require.