A93091:615
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. This objection is easy, for in desiring seals of him and submitting themselves to his ministry, they do now choose him; however at first they opposed his coming. But what is this to what ought to be in an orderly way whereof we speak?
Answ. This objection is easie, for in desiring seales of him and submitting themselves to his ministry, they doe now choose him; however at first they opposed his comming. But what is this to what ought to bee in an orderly way whereof wee speake?
Reply. These propositions being allowed for currant; a nation or people plunged into Idolatry or Infidelity, or otherwise dischurched cannot by ordinary means recover into a Church estate, wherein they may lawfully and according to Gods appointment desire or expect that the seals of the Covenant shall be dispensed unto them.
Reply. These propositions being allowed for currant; a nation or people plunged into Idolatry or Infidelity, or otherwise dischurched cannot by ordinary meanes recover into a Church estate, wherein they may lawfully and according to Gods appointment desire or expect that the seales of the Covenant shall bee dispensed unto them.
Answ. What should hinder, if the whole nation would be willing, to recover themselves into Churches? Indeed that is rare to be found that all will affect such a recovery. But we see nothing to hinder but all the nation or so many as are awakened in conscience to bewail their Apostasy and lament after the Lord, having especially the countenance of the supreme magistrate, several companies of Christians may combine in Churches so as may best suite with their edification, choose officers and enjoy ordinances. Nay, è contra, our Protestant Divines, as Chemnitius, Field, Brentius, Whitaker, Luther, &c. make peoples power of electing their Ministers the best foundation of a peoples recovery of a true Ministry and Church estate.