A59693:245
Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II.…
Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II. Change, III. Beginning. IV. Sanctification, are clearly discussed, which were first handled more largely in sundry sermons in Cambridge in New-England in opening of the Fourth Commandment : in unfolding whereof many scriptures are cleared, divers cases of conscience resolved, and the moral law as a rule of life to a believer, occasionally and distinctly handled / by Thomas Shepard ...Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II. Change, III. Beginning. IV. Sanctification, are clearly discussed, which were first handled more largely in sundry sermons in Cambridge in New-England in opening of the Fourth COmmandment : in unfolding whereof many scriptures are cleared, divers cases of conscience resolved, and the morall law as a rule of life to a believer, occasionally and distinctly handled / by Thomas Shepard ...
London: printed by T.R. and E.M. for John Rothwell, 1650
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.
Thesis 84.
A true Believer, though he cannot keep the law perfectly,§84 as his rule, yet he loves it dearly, he blames his own heart when he cannot keep it, but doth not find fall with the law as too hard, but cries out with Paul, The law is holy and good, but I am carnal: he loves this Copy though he can but scribble after it; when therefore the question is made, viz. Whether a Believer be bound to the law as his rule? the meaning is not whether he hath power to keep it exactly as his rule, or by what means he is to seek power to keep it; but the question is, whether it be in its self a Believers rule; for to be a rule is one thing, but to be able to keep it, and by what means we should keep it, whether by our own strength or no, or by power from on high, is another.
A true Beleever, though he cannot keep the law perfectly,§84 as his rule, yet he loves it dearely, he blames his owne heart when he cannot keep it, but doth not find fau•l with the law as too hard, but cries out with Paul, The law is holy and good, but I am carnall: hee loves this Coppy though hee can but scribble after it; when therefore the question is made, viz. Whether a Beleever be bound to the law as his rule? the meaning is not whether he hath power to keep it exactly as his rule, or by what meanes hee is to seek power to keep it; but the question is, whether it bee in its self a Beleevers rule; for to be a rule is one thing, but to be able to keep it, and by what meanes we should keep it, whether by our own strength or no, or by power from on high, is another.