A93085:185
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.
4. They have no immediate power of rule immediately given by Christ, over any one particular Church, but mediate by that Church where they are; their gifts of teaching and ruling are immediately from Christ; but their actual power to exercise it over this or that particular Congregation, is by that Church only. Hence Deacons that were only to take care for the outward estate of the Church, Act. 6.3, 4. they were ordained by lifting up their hands. This is Apostolical power, and an intrusion, and cuts asunder the force of the argument of Mr. Ball his book of power for Presbytery, &c.
4. They have no immediate power of rule immediately given by Christ, over any one particular Church, but mediate by that Church where they are; their gifts of teaching and ruling are immediately from Christ; but their actuall power to exercise it over this or that particular Congregation, is by that Church only. Hence Deacons that were only to take care for the outward estate of the Church, Act. 6.3, 4. they were ordained by lifting up their hands. This is Apostolical power, and an intrusion, and cuts asunder the force of the argument of Mr. Ball his book of power for Presbytery, &c.
2. What is their power affirmatively?
Answ. 1. They have a power given them of ruling and governing from Christ by the people; hence they are called Rulers, and such as rule, and are over Gods Church; hence they have a strict charge and command from the Lord to do it. Hence Paul at Ephesus, when he was with them three years, yet had Rulers there; and vers. 28. Feed Gods flock bought by blood; over which. not men, but the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers; Christs Church being like sheep, apt to stray and perish, unless these watch