A93091:459
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.
Reply. The Church at Jerusalem was one, and distinct, yet increased to 3000, then to 5000, &c.
Reply. The Church at Jerusalem was one, and distinct, yet encreased to 3000, then to 5000, &c.
Answ. Be it so, the increase was very great; yet so long as they are called one distinct Church, it was one Congregation, viz. until they scattering by the persecution about Stephen, Acts 7. 8. which is evident by these two arguments. First, Acts 2 41, &c. where we see the 3000 added to the 120. they have their communion together described: 1 In regard of their spiritual communion, to be in the Apostles doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and Prayer, verse 42. Secondly, in regard of their outward communion in the good things of this life; they bad all things common, and sold their possessions, &c. verse 44, & 45: Now the manner of both parts of this communion in respect of time and place is described, verse 46. viz. in their spiritual duties; They continued daily with one accord in the Temple. And secondly, in respect of their outward communion in their States, They eat their meat from house to house; this latter requiring many tables and many houses to provide for them; so that although in their outward communion, it was in private houses, yet their spiritual communion it was with one accord in one place, viz. the Temple, where they had room enough; being the place erected for a National Church; and having favour with all the people, were not interrupted therein by any persecution. We need not step out of our way to reply to all that is said against this reason. It is enough for us to note, that they daily with one ⟨p. 124⟩accord met, and that in the Temple, which is not answered by any [Greek or Hebrew], or [Greek or Hebrew].
Answ. Be it so, the increase was very great; yet so long as they are called one distinct Church, it was one Congregation, viz. untill they scattering by the persecution about Stephen,