A93085:191
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.
Hence also, when men shall cry for liberty to speak, an Elder forbids it; What, may not the Church have liberty? true, but you are not a Church. An Elder reproves, & they will reprove again; What, shall not the Church have liberty? An Elder gives reasons strong, and unanswerable for some thing to be done; a young fellow shall step up, and say, without ground, or show of it, that's your light, and mine is otherwise: What, may not the Church have liberty? Yes, but you are not the Church; this is very sad, and hath been a root of greatest scandal that ever Gods ways had. If Elders sin openly, 'tis another case, and somewhat also is there to be done; Submit your selves one to another, much more to an Elder, &c.
Hence also, when men shall cry for liberty to speak, an Elder forbids it; What, may not the Church have liberty? true, but you are not a Church. An Elder reproves, & they will reprove again; What, shall not the Church have liberty? An Elder gives reasons strong, and unanswerable for some thing to be done; a young fellow shall step up, and say, without ground, or shew of it, that's your light, and mine is otherwise: What, may not the Church have liberty? Yes, but you are not the Church; this is very sad, and hath been a root of greatest scandal that ever Gods wayes had. If Elders sin openly, 'tis another case, and somewhat also is there to be done; Submit your selves one to another, much more to an Elder, &c.
3. In the execution of their office according to Christ, they are over the whole Church. Their persons indeed are under them, in case they sin, and sin in the execution of their office, they are to be subject; not only to the whole, but to the least Member of the Church: Suppose the sin be not only ⟨p. 103⟩suspected, or reported, or apprehended by one, but two or three witnesses at least, as 1 Tim. 5.19. but whiles they execute it according to Christ, they are therein above the Church, and 'tis bound to be subject therein; and not to be subject, is to refuse to be under Christs government. Hence,