A93085:151
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.
Now 'tis true, this power may be miserably abused in opening doors too wide, or locking them up too long, or too fast; and in many sad disorders this way, yet there is this power. Now when men shall refuse Church-trial, and so communion with the Church; and that not from sense of their unfitness and unworthiness, or some other reason, which is in the sight of God of great weight; but from a careless contempt of Gods Ordinances, or Gods people; a man says, What care I for the one? and what are the other? and from a resolution never to grow better; they know they are not like to be accepted of them, and they are resolved they will grow no better; they think themselves as good as they, and from a secret unwillingness to come to the light, they know things are amiss, and ⟨p. 81⟩will not be known of it; they appear better then they are, and hence they are loath to be seen and judged as they are: Certainly, this is to cast off Christs power; and if continued in, the salvation of your souls is also cast off: Acts 2. ult. The Lord added to the Church daily, such at should be saved. To the Church, i. e. not the universal Church, but visible Church, where it may be had; such as should be saved. Isa.60.14, 15. For the Nation and Kingdom that will not serve thee, shall perish; yea, those Nations shall utterly perish: Lamentable is the condition of many; not so much for not joining themselves to the Church, as not seeking of the Lord for that mercy; that they may be first joined to the Lord , and so to his people for the Lords sake.
Now 'tis true, this power may be miserably abused in opening doores too wide, or locking them up too long, or too fast; and in many sad disorders this way, yet there is this power. Now when men shall refuse Church-tryal, and so communion with the Church; and that not from sense of their unfitnesse and unworthinesse, or some other reason, which is in the sight of God of great weight; but from a carelesse contempt of Gods Ordinances, or Gods people; a man sayes, What care I for the one? and what are the other? and from a resolution never to grow better; they know they are not like to be accepted of them, and they are resolved they will grow no better; they think themselves as good as they, and from a secret unwillingnesse to come to the light, they know things are amisse, and