A93085:183
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.
2. 'Tis not any Antichristian illimited power; viz. to have power over many Churches (for that is the main spiritual Antichristian ⟨p. 98⟩external power) and the Ministers thereof; for we read in Scripture of many Elders and Bishops in the same Church, Acts 20.28. but never of any one ordinary Minister, or Officer over many Churches; either to govern, or to baptize, as the Anabaptists would among them, as many godly plead for now in the misty confusion of England. And look as we cry out of one Minister non-resident, that shall have six or ten livings, though he give never so good a stipend; not only because of his pride and covetousness, but because of his unconscionableness, &c. So here much more of one man Over-seer over many Congregations, it may be a hundred at least.
2. 'Tis not any Antichristian illimited power; viz. to have power over many Churches (for that is the main spiritual Antichristian ⟨p. 98⟩external power) and the Ministers thereof; for we read in Scripture of many Elders and Bishops in the same Church, Acts 20.28. but never of any one ordinary Minister, or Officer over many Churches; either to governe, or to baptize, as the Anabaptists would among them, as many godly plead for now in the misty confusion of England. And look as we cry out of one Minister non-resident, that shall have six or ten livings, though he give never so good a stipend; not only because of his pride and covetousnesse, but because of his unconscionablenesse, &c. So here much more of one man Over-seer over many Congregations, it may be a hundred at least.