A93091:619
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. The seeming swellings of this proposition will easily fall and run within banks and bounds, if it be received in its true sense and meaning; for by the call of a Minister must needs be understood the voluntary subjection of all Church members to his ministry after he is called, as well as the act of election of him at the first: It were irrational to think a Minister is to be chosen over again, whensoever a member is added to the Church. And therefore our meaning was not hard to conceive, and being so taken, women choose their Minister, that is, voluntarily submit to him being chosen: Children are subjected to him by their parents: the dissenting part of the Church ought to submit to him being chosen, and do if they remain under his Ministry; and so in all other cases you have or can suppose▪
Answ. The seeming swellings of this proposition will easily fall and run within bankes and bounds, if it bee received in its true sense and meaning; for by the call of a Minister must needs bee understood the voluntary subjection of all Church members to his ministery after hee is called, as well as the act of election of him at the first: It were irrationall to thinke a Minister is to bee chosen over againe, whensoever a member is added to the Church. And therefore our meaning was not hard to conceive, and being so taken, women choose their Minister, that is, voluntarily submit to him being chosen: Children are subjected to him by their parents: the dissenting part of the Church ought to submit to him being chosen, and doe if they remaine under his Ministry; and so in all other cases you have or can suppose▪
Reply. Here you say people must join in the call of a Minister before they can lawfully desire and be admitted to the seals. And another hath zealously affirmed, It is a presumptuous sin to choose an Officer not trained up and •ryed in debating, discussing, carrying and contriving Church affairs, in admonishing, exhorting, comforting, &c. Lay these together and consider how long many a poor soul converted to the faith must be compelled to want Gods ordinances.