A93091:712
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.
Secondly, It may be in some cases, some may be advised by the counsel of their private friends in a Church to forbear till they be some way settled. But that any are debarred from Communion when they desire it, because they cannot promise continuance, (unless other just causes hinder) it neither suites with our judgement nor practise; and if any should practise other ways, we do not allow of the same, and therefore it's needless to give you reasons of what we practise not.
Secondly, It may bee in some cases, some may be advised by the counsell of their private friends in a Church to forbeare till they be some way setled. But that any are debarred from Communion when they desire it, because they cannot promise continuance, (unlesse other just causes hinder) it neither suites with our judgement nor practise; and if any should practise other wayes, wee doe not allow of the same, and therefore it's needlesse to give you reasons of what we practise not.
Reply. Secondly, It pertains not to the whole Congregation to take notice or be acquainted with or judge of every particular members removal: may not a servant remove from his Master to another Congregation, or a father bestow his child in marriage to one of another Congregation, but the whole Church must be called to counsel in the matters, &c. when Churches grow populous they must be negligent or weary of such a ta•ke, and for the present to challenge so much authority over one another is usurpation, &c.
Reply. Secondly, It pertaines not to the whole Congregation to take notice or bee acquainted with or judge of every particular members removall: may not a servant remove from his Master to another Congregation, or a father bestow his childe in marriage to one of another Congregation, but the whole Church must be called to counsell in the matters, &c. when Churches grow populous they must bee negligent or weary of such a ta•ke, and for the present to challenge so much authority over one another is usurpation, &c.