A93085:306
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.
First, The command of Christ is, that every one to whom the Gospel comes, and ⟨p. 146⟩is preached, do believe, i.e. receive Christ Jesus in all his fullness in the Gospel. John 1.12. For that is to believe; in which command lies Gods offer. 1 John 5.23. This is his commandment, that ye believe, John 6.25, 37, 38. This is the work of God that ye believe. Now here men think they are free. 1. They say they are unworthy; and hence they say, Depart from me, Lord, I am a sinful man; as if Gods grace was built on mans worthiness. 2. Because unhumbled, whereas Gods grace calls in men unhumbled. Rev. 8.17, 18. For Gods call and offer is general, though none but the humble will hearken to it. But there are none, but it may be said to them; If they can believe, let them. 3. Because Christ is not theirs, and are they bound to believe he is? Whereas the first act of faith, is not to believe Christ is mine, then men were bound to believe a lie. But to receive Christ as a woman her husband, that he may be mine by faith; and so a man may know and say, he is mine. The Gospel doth no where say to any man, Christ is thine; but if thou receive him, he is thine, and consequently the Spirit speaks so also. 4. Because they cannot believe, unless they should presume; as if the Gospel bound the conscience of none to believe, but them that were able to believe it, and receive Christ in it; yet 'tis otherwise: for it binds all to receive Christ Jesus; to go up and possess ⟨p. 147⟩him, to feed, eat and drink, and live for ever. And I will leave this one undeniable argument; If men are liable to eternal condemnation at the great and last day, and to bear the eternal wrath of God and Christ also, for disobeying the Gospel, for refusing Christ and the offer of his grace therein: Then those mens consciences are bound to obey the Gospel; i. e. to believe and receive Christ now in this life. — But all that have the Gospel preached to them, are liable to eternal condemnation, for disobedience to it. John 3.18, 19. Psal. 2.12