A93091:181
A treatise of liturgies, power of the keys, and of matter of the visible…A treatise of liturgies, power of the keyes, and of matter of the visible…
A treatise of liturgies, power of the keys, and of matter of the visible church. In answer to the reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Ball. By Thomas Shepherd, sometimes fellow of Emanuel-College in Cambridge, and late pastor of Cambridge in New-England.A treatise of liturgies, power of the keyes, and of matter of the visible church. In answer to the reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Ball. By Thomas Shephard, sometimes fellow of Emanuel-Colledge in Cambridge, and late pastour of Cambridge in New-England.
London: printed by E. Cotes for Andrew Crooke, 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.
Answ. We grant at some times and in some cases it may be so, but in matters of corrupt worship, wherein God is so jealous and at such a time as this was; when the burdensome corruptions of humane traditions so violently imposed on the Churches, grew to such a number and unsupportable weight to the consciences of so many, we doubt not to affirm, that now extenuations were far more dangerous and offensive to the Lord: we cannot but with sad hearts consider and call to mind how many weak Christians have ventured to swallow down all manner of humane traditions and worships imposed upon them, emboldened much (we fear) by the examples, if not the reasonings of many godly Ministers, which scandal some of us with many amongst you have have cause to bewail before the Lord and give satisfaction before the world; And we hope our departure from these burdens, and flight into these wildernesses to enjoy Christ in more pure ordinances of his worship, and the witness we have thereby borne against them, have not been in vain through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Answ. Wee grant at some times and in some cases it may bee so, but in matters of corrupt worship, wherein God is so jealous and at such a time as this was; when the burthensome corruptions of humane traditions so violently imposed on the Churches, grew to such a number and unsupportable weight to the consciences of so many, wee doubt not to affirme, that now extenuations were farre more dangerous and offensive to the Lord: wee cannot but with sad hearts con•ider and call to minde how many weake Christians have ventured to swallow downe all manner of humane traditions and worships imposed upon them, imboldned much (wee feare) by the examples, if not the reasonings of many godly Ministers, which scandall some of us with many amongst you have have cause to bewayle before the Lord and give satisfaction before the world; And wee hope our departure from these burdens, and flight into these wildernesses to enjoy Christ in more pure ordinances of his worship, and the witnesse wee have thereby borne against them, have not been in vaine through the grace of Jesus Christ.
Reply. In them that join according to Christs command (and liberty of absence from Christ hath not been showed) notwithstanding the corruptions, we hold the prayers to be an holy and acceptable sacrifice to the Lord, and pleasing to Jesus Christ.