A93091:605
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.
2. If this be so as here you urge, then those former assertions must needs fall to the ground; as, That every society in covenant with God is the true Church of God, page 23. and that it is simply necessary to the being of a Church, that it he laid upon Christ the foundation, which being done, the remaining of what is forbidden, or want of what is commanded, cannot put the society from the right and title of a Church. If these were so a company of unbaptized persons may be a Church, being in Covenant with God and laid on Christ the foundation, though they want baptism.
2. If this bee so as here you urge, then those former assertions must needs fall to the ground; as, That every society in covenant with God is the true Church of God, page 23. and that it is simply necessary to the being of a Church, that it hee layd upon Christ the foundation, which being done, the remaining of what is forbidden, or want of what is commanded, cannot put the society from the right and title of a Church. If these were so a company of unbaptized persons may bee a Church, being in Covenant with God and layd on Christ the foundation, though they want baptisme.
3. Though no such example of unbaptized persons choosing a Pastor among themselves can be showed, when there was no need thereof; (Apostles being at hand to baptize them) yet why in absence of Apostles, &c. might they not choose some other baptized Christian, who coming into some far remote country of Infidels, is a means of their conversion; we see nothing to hinder: it would be hard for any to show an example of Presbyters holding a Synod or ordaining of Elders, without Apostles or some extraordinary officer, yet we suppose, you make no doubt of such things.
3. Though no such example of unbaptized persons choosing a Pastour among themselves can bee shewed, when there was no need thereof; (Apostles being at hand to baptize them) yet why in absence of Apostles, &c. might they not choose some other baptized Christian, who comming into some farre remote country of Infidels, is a meanes of their conversion; wee see nothing to hinder: it would bee hard for any to shew an example of Presbyters holding a Synod or ordaining of Elders, without Apostles or some extraordinary officer, yet we suppose, you make no doubt of such things.