A59693:333
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 115.
The second is a professed neglect, and casting off the work of repentance and mourning for sin: nay of asking pardon of sin; for if the Law be no rule to show man his duty, why should any man then trouble himself with sorrow for any sin? for if it be no rule to him, how should any thing be sin to him? and if so, why then should any ask pardon of it, or mourn under it? why should not a man rather harden his heart like an Adamant, and make his forehead brass and iron, even unto the death, against the feeling of any sin? but what doctrine is more cross• to the Spirit of grace in Gospel times, then this? which is a Spirit of mourning, Z•c. 12.10, 11. what doctrine more cross to the express command of Christ from heaven then this? who writes from heaven to the Church of Ephesus to remember from whence she is fallen and repent, Rev. 2.5. what doctrine more cross to the example of holy men then this? who after they were converted, then repented and lamented most of all, Jer. 31.18.19. 2 Cor. 7.9.10, 11. what doctrine more cross to the salvation of souls, the mercy of God, and forgiveness of sin? for so the promise runs, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 1 Joh. 1.9. what doctrine so cross to the Spirit of the love of Christ shed abroad in the heart, that when a mans sins are greatest (which is after conversion, because now against more love and more nearness to Jesus Christ) that now a believers sorrow should be least monkish and macerating? sorrow indeed is loathsome, but godly sorrow is sweet and glorious; doubtless those mens blindness is exceeding great, who know not how to reconcile joy and sorrow in the same subject, who cannot with one eye behold their free justification, and therein daily rejoice, and the weakness and imperfection of their sanctification with another eye, and for that mourn.