A93085:197
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. Elders are helpers of people, and there is no people but will stand in need of such helps, if humble, and able to discern, to attend the public good, to teach and convince, &c. Hence, when there is no sin appearing in the execution of their office, they should with a holy fear submit; and say, If ye be faithful watchmen, what am I that I should be unsatisfied? my ignorance may mislead others, &c.
3. Elders are helpers of people, and there is no people but will stand in need of such helps, if humble, and able to discerne, to attend the publick good, to teach and convince, &c. Hence, when there is no sin appearing in the execution of their office, they should with a holy fear submit; and say, If ye be faithful watchmen, what am I that I should be unsatisfied? my ignorance may mislead others, &c.
4. They have power to over-see, when they see cause, Acts 20.28. and to see into, and enquire into the estate of the flock of God, to know their spiritual condition, so far as is fit to be known, that so they may be comforted in the work of Christ; though there be no sin break out, nor they come to them. 1 Thes. 3.5, 6. The Apostle enquired into their faith, charity, and prayer; vers. 7. and hence was comforted, &c. And this Paul doth not as an extraordinary man, but leaves his example as a president to the Elders of Ephesus; to go from house to house, ⟨p. 106⟩and enquire, to teach and exhort. Acts 20. for Elders are to prevent scandals as well as to remove them, lest when they come they say, Oh that I had known this before, especially where they see need. Now hence it is that men cast off the government of Christ, when they will not have their spiritual condition searched into, the Elders foot is now too great for his shoe, I am to give an account to God; so are they also of thee, now thou canst not give it if thou enquirest not how thy condition stands, neither can they with comfort unless thou tellest them how it stands with thee. 'Tis true there are many secret things they can never find out, yet they are to attend their duty.