A93091:270
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.
Thirdly, for Priority, it is clear, that as God hath firstly in nature and intention given Christ to the whole Church, then to this and that particular believer, and the power of feeding and being fed and governed by shepherds. First, to the whole race of sheep. Secondly, to this or that flock. So in nature and Gods intention he hath firstly given to the race of mankind power of being governed with Government and Governors, before they are given to this or that Family, City, Kingdom, &c. So likewise what is said of Promises, given to the Church Catholic firstly; is it not as true here? Those promises and blessings increase and multiply, Subdue the earth and inhabit it. The fear and dread of you shall be on all beasts: and all like promises and privileges of marriage, of liberty to eat flesh, &c. mentioned, Gen. 2. & 9. and all over the Scripture, are they not in nature first given to mankind? and then to this or that person, family, City? So if Church power, and all Officers and Offices be firstly given to the Catholic Church, not to this or that particular Church: So it's here, when the Scripture saith, Submit to the higher Powers, for all Powers are of God, Rom. 13 […] me, saith God, Kings reign, and Princes decree judgment, and such like Scriptures; doth this firstly belong to this or that Kingdom, City, &c. and not rather that God hath firstly set up and ordained Civil Powers for mankind, to be obeyed of all mankind firstly, and then in this or that state. Is federal holiness first the privilege of the Catholic Church? (which in a sense we will not now contradict) so is legitimation, first the privilege of married society in general in all mankind, and then of this or that family. Are the members of particular Churches firstly of the Catholic Church; ⟨p. 82⟩and is it not so here? the members of every family, city, &c▪ first and last of the number of mankind; and so when the Societies are dissolved, they are still of mankind: and do not all Societies spring of mankind, and are an additament and increase to it? the one is true as well as the other.
Thirdly, for Priority, it is clear, that as God hath firstly in nature and intention given Christ to the whole Church, then to this and that particular beleever, and the power of feeding and being fed and governed by shepheards. First, to the whole race of sheep. Secondly, to this or that flock. So in nature and Gods intention he hath firstly given to the race of mankind power of being governed with Government and Governors, before they are given to this or that Family, City, Kingdom, &c. So likewise what is said of Promises, given to the Church Catholick firstly; is it not as true here? Those promises and blessings increase and multiply, Subdue the earth and inhabite it. The feare and dread of you shall be on all beasts: and all like promises and priviledges of marriage, of liberty to eat flesh, &c. mentioned,