A93091:277
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. To the Scripture alleged we shall speak after, here only let us clear our parallel. And first take the similitude as it is stated by us, and it will be clear. First, compare the Catholic number of mankind, with the Catholic Church, which is the number of called ones, and then there is as much external union of visible communion in one, as in the other. For, first, all mankind may and ought to maintain Civill communion one with another, in all Offices of humanity, for the common good of the whole, as the members of the Catholic Church do, or ought to do; and common humanity, and the command of the Moral Law binds thereto, as well as Christianity and rules of the Gospel bind here.
Answ. To the Scripture alledged we shall speak after, here onely let us clear our parallel. And first take the similitude as it is stated by us, and it will be clear. First, compare the Catholick number of mankinde, with the Catholick Church, which is the number of called ones, and then there is as much externall union of visible communion in one, as in the other. For, first, all mankinde may and ought to maintain Civill communion one with another, in all Offices of humanity, for the common good of the whole, as the members of the Catholick Church doe, or ought to doe; and common humanity, and the command of the Morall Law binds thereto, as well as Christianity and rules of the Gospel bind here.
Secondly, if we compare Civill societies, as Families, Cities, Common-wealths with instituted Churches, it is as possible, and as well the duty of all Common-wealths in the world, by principles of humanity, and the Moral Law in all mens hearts, to maintain external union of leagues of friendship, and communion in all Offices of Civill society, as it is possible, and the duty of all Church societies, by the principles of Christianity, and rule of the Gospel to maintain external union of visible communion in the duties of Church society.
Secondly, if we compare Civill societies, as Families, Cities, Common-wealths with instituted Churches, it is as possible, and as well the duty of all Common-wealths in the world, by principles of humanity, and the Morall Law in all mens hearts, to maintain externall union of leagues of friendship, and communion in all Offices of Civill society, as it is possible, and the duty of all Church societies, by the principles of Christianity, and rule of the Gospel to maintain externall union of visible communion in the duties of Church society.