A93085:312
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. 'Tis a chain, not of bondage, but of liberty, and mercy, and love: Come and receive, not a Kingdom; but Christ, Peace, pardon, and grace freely; which may draw the heart, as it will at the great and last day. Come ye blessed, take a Kingdom; take a Christ prepared for you from before the foundation of the world. Oh that this might sound in your ears: This is the first and chiefest; without this, all your obedience is hypocrisy, and abominable; but this will please, and then all poor obedience shall please.
4. 'Tis a chaine, not of bondage, but of liberty, and mercy, and love: Come and receive, not a Kingdome; but Christ, Peace, pardon, and grace freely; which may draw the heart, as it will at the great and last day. Come ye blessed, take a Kingdome; take a Christ prepared for you from before the foundation of the world. Oh that this might sound in your eares: This is the first and cheifest; without this, all your obedience is hypocrisie, and abominable; but this will please, and then all poor obedience shall please.
Secondly, Love unto the whole will of Christ; especially to that part of it, to love those that be the members of Christ. Some Christians they believe, and feeling a heart so cross to Christ, and the will of God; think they are from under the government of God and Christ, and so from under ⟨p. 149⟩the grace of Christ, (and the argument is strong, if true;) but why not under his government? because they find daily a spirit so cross to the will of Christ; and hence under continual fears of condemnation. Oh but consider, hast thou no love to the will of, Christ & law of God? (for if any believe, this is found in him) if so, then under Christs Government. Rom. 8.2. The Law of the spirit of life hath made me free. What is that Law? See Chap. 7.23, 24. Spirit of delight in the Law in the inner man, and mourning for contrary captivity. Know therefore, though you cannot do all; yet love the whole will of God, and mourn where you do not; and then say. Now no condemnation. Do not say, 'Tis impossible. Oh, here is mens woe, and trial of subjection to Christs will! How do you love it, love his Sabbaths and Ordinances, because of his love to you? How do's this constrain you?