A93085:157
Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve…
Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve our liberty. Together with a treatise of ineffectual hearing the word; how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually: and by what means it may be come effectual unto us. With some remarkable passages of his life. By Tho. Shepherd, late pastor of the Church of Christ in Cambridge in New-England. Now published by Mr. Jonathan Michel pastor of the said church in New England.Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve our liberty. Together with a treatise of ineffectual hearing the word; how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually: and by what means it may be come effectual unto us. With some remarkable passages of his life. By Tho. Shephard, late pastor of the Church of Christ in Cambridge in New-England. Now published by Mr. Jonathan Michell pastor of the said church in New England.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
3. They have a power of Communication of good one to another, in way of edification, according to their places in this their communion: So that now, 'tis not only left in the hands of the Officers, but of the whole Church, and each Member in the Church; according to his place and ability, to edify the whole, Eph. 4.16. From whom the whole body fitly joined and compacted together, by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body, unto the edifying self in love.
3. They have a power of Communication of good one to another, in way of edification, according to their places in this their communion: So that now, 'tis not only left in the hands of the Officers, but of the whole Church, and each Member in the Church; according to his place and ability, to edifie the whole, Eph. 4.16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned and compacted together, by that which every joynt supplieth, according to the essectuall working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body, unto the edifying self in love.
Members are not to stand like beautiful pictures in Church-windows, and as costly images in Churches; that have eyes, and see not, ears, and hear not; but they are to be living stones in Gods building; not only to build up themselves, but one another also; that so a man may not only get no hurt from communion of Churches, but he may get good indeed from the same. And if I mistake not, here is the wound of Churches: When Members seek not, and endeavour not the good one of another; and so have Ordinances and means of doing one another good, but exercise them not; or if they do, receive not the good they might hereby; but may say, and shall say at last as he, Prov. 5.14. I was almost in all evil in the midst of the Congregation: Sin prevailing, and sorrows by little and little, like water in a leaking ship, sinking the poor bark.