A93085:254
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.
4. Humane laws and orders may be known to be according to the word, when they command or forbid such things, as really advance or tend to promote the public good.
4. Humane lawes and orders may be known to be according to the word, when they command or forbid such things, as really advance or tend to promote the publick good.
This I add to answer that great question in many scrupulous minds. I cannot see (so ignorant) when an order is collected from the general rules of the word; now this conclusion answers that doubt: For look as the main work of men in place, is to promote public good; (and hence public-spirited men are to be chosen for it) so the principal rule is that which God and his Word gives them to walk by: whatever really doth tend to the advancement of that; Publish that, record that, and execute that, Rom. 13.4. He is Gods Minister to ⟨p. 128⟩thee for good: i. e. for the public good. He is for mens private good, but 'tis in reference to public good; that as private persons are to attend their work, so public persons public good. Hence, 1. If a law be made for public hurt, that law is not of God.
This I adde to answer that great question in many scrupulous mindes. I cannot see (so ignorant) when an order is collected from the generall rules of the word; now this conclusion answers that doubt: For look as the maine work of men in place, is to promote publick good; (and hence publick-spirited men are to be chosen for it) so the principal rule is that which God and his Word gives them to walk by: whatever really doth tend to the advancement of that; Publish that, record that, and execute that, Rom. 13.4. He is Gods Minister to ⟨p. 128⟩