A80640:98
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.
But yet if the Dissuader knew the spirit of those men who first came over hither, after Plymouth, (though before us) he would easily discern, they were not such as would be leavened by vicinity of neighbours, but by the Divinity of the Truth of God shining forth from the Word. The body of the people at that time was not of such a carnal spirit, as so many of them to leave so fair accommodations, and dear relations in our native Country, to come over into a wilderness, to take up a Form of Government, upon any such ground as the Dissuader conceiteth, because it holdeth out so much liberty, and honour to the people.
But yet if the Disswader knew the spirit of those men who first came over hither, after Plymmoth, (though before us) hee would easily discern, they were not such as would be leavened by vicinity of neighbours, but by the Divinity of the Truth of God shining forth from the Word. The body of the people at that time was not of such a carnall spirit, as so many of them to leave so faire accommodations, and dear relations in our native Countrey, to come over into a wildernesse, to take up a Forme of Government, upon any such ground as the Disswader conceiteth, because it holdeth out so much liberty, and honour to the people.
This were indeed not to seek out for Liberty of Conscience, but Elbow-roomth of lust; and not to attend the honour, but the humour of the people. To pass such a judgment upon strangers, had need to arise from Divine Revelation, or else it will fall under the note of humane temerity.
This were indeed not to seek out for Liberty of Conscience, but Elbow-roomth of lust; and not to attend the honour, but the humor of the people. To passe such a judgment upon strangers, had need to arise from Divine Revelation, or else it will fall under the note of humane temerity.