A93085:113
Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve…
Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve our liberty. Together with a treatise of ineffectual hearing the word; how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually: and by what means it may be come effectual unto us. With some remarkable passages of his life. By Tho. Shepherd, late pastor of the Church of Christ in Cambridge in New-England. Now published by Mr. Jonathan Michel pastor of the said church in New England.Subjection to Christ in all his ordinances, and appointments, the best means to preserve our liberty. Together with a treatise of ineffectual hearing the word; how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually: and by what means it may be come effectual unto us. With some remarkable passages of his life. By Tho. Shephard, late pastor of the Church of Christ in Cambridge in New-England. Now published by Mr. Jonathan Michell pastor of the said church in New England.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 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.
Oh the light, life, prayers you might have, the heavenly conference ye will have together, that it would do a mans heart good to be with such a Christian; that those that are with you might say, Verily God is in this man; verily there is joy in ⟨p. 49⟩Heaven when the Saints keep in this frame.
4 When the soul yields thus to the will of Christ for Christs ends; for such is the subtle wretchedness of mens heart, that men would have Christ glorify himself, that he may glorify and honour them; like Simon Magus, that would give any money for Apostolical gifts, that he might be some tody that way also: Now if a man shall submit, go to Christ for gifts and parts; that's to set up another King, to advance a mans self; and so also sin and the devil, and Christ must be made a servant for this end; He is now no King▪ like a Rebel that is not content, that thousands of the Kings Subjects should serve him, but he will have the Prince serve him also: Every man will say; this doth utterly overthrow the Kingdom of such a Prince. When a man shall secretly fight against the Lord, and be for himself; and for the devil and sin within; When a man shall make all the creatures serve him, the soldiers of his army; meat, drink, and outward comforts, this is a marvellous thing; Ay, but when a man shall make Jesus Christ, and God himself, and profession of Christ; make these to serve him, to raise up his name; this the Lord takes very ill.
4 When the soul yeelds thus to the will of Christ for Christs ends; for such is the subtil wretchednesse of mens heart, that men would have Christ glorifie himself, that he may glorifie and honour them; like Simon Magus, that would give any money for Apostolical gifts, that he might be some tody that way also: Now if a man shall submit, go to Christ for gifts and parts; that's to set up another King, to advance a mans self; and so also sin and the devil, and Christ must be made a servant for this end; He is now no King▪ like a Rebel that is not content, that thousands of the Kings Subjects should serve him, but he will have the Prince serve him also: Every man will say; this doth utterly overthrow the Kingdom of such a Prince. When a man shall secretly fight against the Lord, and be for himself; and for the devil and sin within; When a man shall make all the creatures serve him, the souldiers of his army; meat, drinke, and outward comforts, this is a marvellous thing; Ay, but when a man shall make Jesus Christ, and God himself, and profession of Christ; make these to serve him, to raise up his name; this the Lord takes very ill.