A93085:294
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.
4. Lament rather your own vileness, who in the midst of all mercy, know not how to use, but abuse our liberties: and hence the Lord forsakes us; as Ezra 9.8, 10, 11. What grace hath been showed us? what shall we say, that after this, &c? Wouldest thou not be angry with us till thou hast consumed us? Psal. 81.13, 16. Oh that my People had heard my voice, I would have subdued their enemies. God would not be wanting unto us, if we were not to him.
4. Lament rather your own vilenesse, who in the midst of all mercy, know not how to use, but abuse our liberties: and hence the Lord forsakes us; as Ezra 9.8, 10, 11. What grace hath been shewed us? what shall we say, that after this, &c? Wouldest thou not be angry with us till thou hast consumed us? Psal. 81.13, 16. Oh that my People had heard my voice, I would have subdued their enemies. God would not be wanting unto us, if we were not to him.
Take therefore that example to imitate, in Acts 9.31. Having rest, they were edified: if we be not so, truly, as none have the like liberties; so no bondage so sad, no where such poverty, no where such anguish of conscience, no where such spirit and ⟨p. 143⟩power of sin, no where such sad anger; if in practice we be unthankful, or can mouth and speak against long Sermons, and against the Country and Christians, or in hearts undervalue them; and when you see Indians rise, Brambles, Abimelechs and Shebnas raised, &c. then know this is for abuse of liberty.