A93085:155
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 when men come to that pass, that they do not only sin (for that the Lord pardons) but are grown to that height, that they cast off all reproofs, and Christ-like admonitions for sin: steeped it may be in many tears and prayers before they came, and sweetened with the Spirit of mercy and terror of Christ Jesus in the mouths of his servants, this brings under bondage. 'Tis not sin so much, for this will be; but when they cannot abide reproofs, they are iron morsels, cannot be digested; and hence, sometime hide it, and twenty shifts, and half as many lies; or if it be found out, defend it; and fall a fencing and thrusting, and try it out to the last, or extenuate it twenty ways, that a beam is a mote; and which is worse, their hearts rise and swell, and they bear a privy grudge against them, as if they were their enemies, because they tell them the truth; when they should say; Let the righteous smite me. Exod. 2.14. Who made thee a Prince and Judge over us? When Moses, the Israelites deliverer was raised up, he thereupon departs, and they lye under heavy bondage, when they cast off his reproof. It's true, a Saint may not for a time submit; but yet it argues a height of spirit for the present, unfit for communion ⟨p. 84⟩with God, and the Lord will bring them off, and humble them for their pride. 2 Sam. 23.6, 7. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away; because they cannot be taken with hands.
Now when men come to that passe, that they do not only sin (for that the Lord pardons) but are grown to that height, that they cast off all reproofs, and Christ-like admonitions for sin: steept it may be in many teares and prayers before they came, and sweetned with the Spirit of mercy and terror of Christ Jesus in the mouths of his servants, this brings under bondage. 'Tis not sin so much, for this will be; but when they cannot abide reproofes, they are iron morsels, cannot be digested; and hence, sometime hide it, and twenty shifts, and halfe as many lies; or if it be found out, defend it; and fall a fencing and thrusting, and try it out to the last, or extenuate it twenty wayes, that a beam is a mote; and which is worse, their hearts rise and swell, and they bear a privy grudge against them, as if they were their enemies, because they tell them the truth; when they should say; Let the righteous smite me.