The Interrelation of Politics and Confessionalism in a 17th-Century British Polemical Writing

Abstract

The study intends to investigate a political pamphlet written by the famous, nevertheless, in Hungary rather neglected Presbyterian minister and diplomat, Robert Baillie. In this work of his he tries to refute the ecclesiological tenets of the Independents also known as Congregationalists. The latter had a good share in shaping "the New England mind", i.e. they were very influential in 17th-century Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The author does not refrain from making fun of the "Canterburians", the "Faction" he blames throughout the polemical writing for all the "problems" arising with the new "sects". The study is meant to illustrate that theological and political issues were closely intertwined in the 17th century.