A93085:192
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. 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, Heb. 13. Obey them that rule you; he speaks to the whole Church, which was not in evil, but in good things according to God; and yet in evil things, look on them as those over them. Exempli gratiâ, A Minister in the execution of his office, let him preach Christs eternal truth, deliver it and prove it; What ever humane weaknesses there be in him, what ever darkness there is in others, yet he is therein above Churches, Kings or Angels; and they shall answer it at the great day, that do not submit. In regard of my person said Luther, I'll fall down before any; but in regard of the truth I administer, I look on the Kings of the earth as nits, nay dust, &c. ad Regem Angl.
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, Heb. 13. Obey them that rule you; he speaks to the whole Church, which was not in evil, but in good things according to God; and yet in evil things, look on them as those over them. Exempli gratiâ, A Minister in the execution of his office, let him preach Christs eternal truth, deliver it and prove it; What ever humane weaknesses there be in him, what ever darknesse there is in others, yet he is therein above Churches, Kings or Angels; and they shall answer it at the great day, that do not submit. In regard of my person said Luther, I'le fall down before any; but in regard of the truth I administer, I look on the Kings of the earth as nits, nay dust, &c. ad Regem Angl.