A93085:186
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. 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 ⟨p. 100⟩against wolves, and these the Apostle at his last parting left; hence also, they are to give an account of it at the last day. Heb. 13. Hence those cast off the Lords government over them, who will have no Rulers or Governors in Churches, who shall either speak it or think it, but leave all to themselves and their liberty; to teach, baptize, to order things in Church, and so by this means they are not only single Members or Officers; but Pastor, and Teacher, and Elder and all. This generation of men, sons of Korah, are risen up in these latter times; especially amongst Anabaptists, Familists, and rigid Separatists, and who are privily crept into New-England-Churches; Whose condemnation sleeps not, Satan carrying them to extremes, and pride lifting them up above themselves, above Men, above Officers, above Ordinances, and above God. That look as Common-wealths are under greatest bondage, where there is an Anarchy, where every one must be a slave, because every one must be a Master; So in the Churches, no greater bondage can come then this, the foundation of all confusion, and the scandal of the ways of God which through mercy his people here enjoy.
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, unlesse these watch