A93085:115
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.
Only this I would add; when the soul doth look at Christ with a single eye, that Christ is sweet and precious, and lies under the blessed Spirit of Christ for that end; ⟨p. 50⟩and now looks up to Christ, that he may submit to him with a single eye, that the name of Christ may be glorified by life, and death: true it is, self will be in every duty, and so is contrary to the Lord in all, and not for the Lord. Yet though it be thus, there is another thing in the soul that is wholly for God and Christ: and hence seeks that he may do his work; his heart loves him, and so seeks him; and he begs it with many tears. Oh that my children might serve and love this God; nay, that all the world might see, and bless, and admire this God, and the Lord enlargeth his heart herein, Psal. 72.19. and truly now the Kingdom of God is come to thy soul. Rom. 5. 17. As sin and Satan do reign by death: So Jesus Christ doth reign by life to eternal life. Matth. 25.14. He is the true Subject that improves his Talents for the King: Christ will subdue all his to himself, Psal. 66.3. Through the greatness of thy power, shall thine enemies submit themselves to thee. Rom. 14.17. For the Kingdom of God is not in meat and drink; but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. When a man shall be picking fault with things, and this and that offends him; get ye gone, the Kingdom of God consists not in that: But when the soul do's go to the Lord, & maintain his peace with God, and love to the people of God, and joy in the holy Ghost, ⟨p. 51⟩here is the Kingdom of God; He that serves Christ in these things, the Kingdom of God is come into his soul.
Only this I would adde; when the soul doth look at Christ with a single eye, that Christ is sweet and precious, and lyes under the blessed Spirit of Christ for that end;