A93085:218
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.
Now the form of this government is not in all Common-wealths alike, the Lord not binding to any; and hence called [Greek or Hebrew], an ordinance of men. Hence it is a foolish vanity to ask a warrant in Scripture for such a form of Government; for humane wisdom may teach this, though not in Church-government. Yet this supreme and inferior Government hath been in all Kingdoms, 1 Pet, 2.13, 14. to both which subjection is required; to refuse to give it, is to cast off the Lords Government; and there are couched four reasons in that place to prove this.
Now the forme of this government is not in all Common-wealths alike, the Lord not binding to any; and hence called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, an ordinance of men. Hence it is a foolish vanity to aske a warrant in Scripture for such a forme of Government; for humane wisdome may teach this, though not in Church-government. Yet this supreme and inferiour Government hath been in all Kingdomes, 1 Pet, 2.13, 14. to both which subjection is required; to refuse to give it, is to cast off the Lords Government; and there are couched foure reasons in that place to prove this.
1. Do it for the Lords sake, for the name of Christ; and that honour and majesty of Christ stamped on them, submit; hence cast them off, you cast by respect unto; nay, the name of Christ Jesus.
2. Because they are in the room of the Lord, to do the work of the Lord; In punishing evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. It's true, they may abuse their power otherwise; bur yet their power is one thing, and their abuse of it another.