A93085:281
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.
1. Means, Consider what all the liberties Gods people enjoy have cost, Gal. 5. Christ hath made you free, i. e. by his blood. Liberty of Conscience from the bondage, not of Jewish, but of Antichristian Ceremonies, and Government, and Pressures: Liberty of will from any sin; 'tis by Christs blood and cost, that (as I am persuaded) our liberties have cost Saints their blood. The tears, prayers and blood of men are much; but of Christ much more, and are they not worth thanks that are of this price? The great reason why unthankfulness comes in, is; because they cost so much, as loss of estate, of wise, or of child by sea; dost thou repent now? Christ doth not repent that his blood hath been paid for them; and if they be of so little value; as there 'tis said, He repented that he made man, so may he that ever he gave them such glorious liberties.
1. Means, Consider what all the liberties Gods people enjoy have cost, Gal. 5. Christ hath made you free, i. e. by his blood. Liberty of Conscience from the bondage, not of Jewish, but of Antichristian Ceremonies, and Government, and Pressures: Liberty of will from any sin; 'tis by Christs blood and cost, that (as I am perswaded) our liberties have cost Saints their blood. The teares, prayers and blood of men are much; but of Christ much more, and are they not worth thanks that are of this price? The great reason why unthankfulnesse comes in, is; because they cost so much, as losse of estate, of wise, or of childe by sea; dost thou repent now? Christ doth not repent that his blood hath been paid for them; and if they be of so little value; as there 'tis said, He repented that he made man, so may he that ever he gave them such glorious liberties.
2. Consider oft of the sad condition of them that be in bondage. Men in bondage prize liberty, and think them happy that enjoy it; but men out of it do not. How sad is the consideration of them that be in bonds, it will make thy heart sympathize with them, and bless God for your deliverance,