A93085:314
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.
In particular; Love the people of God, that is his special commandment, 1 John 3.23. John 13.34. But now the want hereof, or the contrary hereto: As when a man shall become: 1. A Distaster. 2. A Contemner. 3. A Censurer, and whisperer. 4. A Scoffer. 5. If met on a Bridge, an opposer of the Truths or servants of God. This is that which kindles wrath, and wherein the inward venom of hypocrisy appears. ⟨p. 150⟩There's many duties neglected, and not that spirit of prayer, and holy conferences amongst Christians; yet do you keep love to them; that what you cannot do your selves, yet you love others that can do it, and account it your blessedness to be like them, and daily mourn under your neglects; that in every thing, the Gospel is not adorned by you: and on the other side, although you have many duties, Sabbaths, and good acts; yet if not love, all is vile. I fear 'tis not mens joy, sweetness, delight to hear the least good word that falls from a good mans lips, but rather the truths and things of God despised; if so, then look for woe. And for Members of Christ, their lives not desired, their deaths not lamented; but you know how to contend, and are careless though the Gospel and God be slandered; you cast off the Lords yoke. It was one mans speech, that the great sin of this Country will be hatred of the Saints, a scornful contempt of them; It will come by degrees, first distaste, and then censure and contemn. Oh, but if herein you submit, herein Christ is honoured, and Gospel glorified in love and amiableness: Not in a rigorous austerity of spirit, and diabolical censoriousness; but in word and deed, countenance and gesture, comforting and encouraging one another.
In particular; Love the people of God, that is his speciall commandment, 1 John 3.23. John 13.34. But now the want hereof, or the contrary hereto: As when a man shall become: 1. A Distaster. 2. A Contemner. 3. A Censurer, and whisperer. 4. A Scoffer. 5. If met on a Bridge, an opposer of the Truths or servants of God. This is that which kindles wrath, and wherein the inward venome of hypocrisie appeares.