A93085:194
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.
'Tis true, they are but servants to the Church, because they are by the Church, for the Church, and to help the Church, 2 Cor. 1.24. and are subject to them if they sin; but yet they are servants unto Christ, and in exercising his power according to him, above the Church. 2 Cor. 4.5. We preach Christ, and our selves your servants for Christ; yet therein above them. Hence being their servants; if they sin, they are under the censure of the Church, and the Church may cast them by. So being Christs servants; if not submitted to, the Lord doth account himself cast off.
'Tis true, they are but servants to the Church, because they are by the Church, for the Church, and to help the Church, 2 Cor. 1.24. and are subject to them if they sinne; but yet they are servants unto Christ, and in exercising his power according to him, above the Church. 2 Cor. 4.5. We preach Christ, and our selves your servants for Christ; yet therein above them. Hence being their servants; if they sin, they are under the censure of the Church, and the Church may cast them by. So being Christs servants; if not submitted to, the Lord doth account himself cast off.
1. Because their power thus rightly executed, is the power of Christ Jesus: Hence refuse it, you refuse to be subject to him; If men will not be ruled by Gods Ordinances, but will rule Ordinances, they go about to rule Christ.