A93085:156
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.
A child of God may have many weaknesses, a hypocrite many excellencies; but the trial of them is, when they come to be arrested with a sad reproof, how they yield there, and that as unto God; especially when confession shall either discredit their person, or make others question their grace. Snakes will not hiss nor sting, till touched; a sheep will be led to the slaughter, and turn the cheek to him that smites: So should one poor brother do to another, when he comes to him in the name of the Lord; but not many that will so do, but resist and oppose against all reason.
A childe of God may have many weaknesses, a hypocrite many excellencies; but the tryall of them is, when they come to be arrested with a sad reproof, how they yield there, and that as unto God; especially when confession shall either discredit their person, or make others question their grace. Snakes will not hisse nor sting, till touched; a sheep will be led to the slaughter, and turn the cheeke to him that smites: So should one poor brother do to another, when he comes to him in the name of the Lord; but not many that will so do, but resist and oppose against all reason.
3. They have a power of Communication of good one to another, in way of edification, according to their places in this their communion: So that now, 'tis not only left in the hands of the Officers, but of the whole Church, and each Member in the Church; according to his place and ability, to edify the whole, Eph. 4.16. From whom the whole body fitly joined and compacted together, by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body, unto the edifying self in love.
3. They have a power of Communication of good one to another, in way of edification, according to their places in this their communion: So that now, 'tis not only left in the hands of the Officers, but of the whole Church, and each Member in the Church; according to his place and ability, to edifie the whole,