A93085:283
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.
3. Labour to maintain in the heart a holy fear of abusing liberties, every one in his place; for what makes them despised, but principally the abuse of them; in such a Congregation there was such contention, such affront to the Elders, there is that degenerating of spirit, and back-sliding from God, that men grow worse under means then ever, I and so must be if men grow not better. Deut. 6.10, 12. The Lord ⟨p. 139⟩exhorts them, that when they be at liberty, they would not then forget the Lord, but then fear. 'Tis Luther's: note on the place: When in trouble, you rejoice; but when in peace, you fear. I'll only name the sins of liberty.
3. Labour to maintain in the heart a holy feare of abusing liberties, every one in his place; for what makes them despised, but principally the abuse of them; in such a Congregation there was such contention, such affront to the Elders, there is that degenerating of spirit, and back-sliding from God, that men grow worse under meanes then ever, I and so must be if men grow not better. Deut. 6.10, 12. The Lord ⟨p. 139⟩exhorts them, that when they be at liberty, they would not then forget the Lord, but then feare. 'Tis Luthers: note on the place: When in trouble, you rejoyce; but when in peace, you feare. I'le only name the sins of liberty.
1. Take heed of a Prayerless spirit, and that that lamp go not out. Men under some pressures cry, and 'tis long before they do cry under them, and under their sin; but then at last they do, and when the Lord gives liberty, though they have the guilt of the same sins, and more sins lie on them, yet then like Mariners, when the storms are over fall asleep. Its strange that Israel under Pharaoh cried, and under Gods afflicting hand in denying them water murmured. True thankfulness will help to prize what liberty affords.