A93085:327
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.
Answ. Some think they are metaphorical speeches, Answ. to express their ignorance of God; Now though this be the scope, and the general truth, yet I conceive, the Lord speaking particularly, and knowing what he spake, intends something particularly: and it is a rule, never to fly to metaphors, where there can be a plain sense given. There is therefore two degrees of true knowledge of God in this life, or 'tis attained unto by a double means.
Answ. Some think they are metaphorical speeches, Answ. to expresse their ignorance of God; Now though this be the scope, and the general truth, yet I conceive, the Lord speaking particularly, and knowing what he spake, intends something particularly: and it is a rule, never to flie to metaphors, where there can be a plain sense given. There is therefore two degrees of true knowledge of God in this life, or 'tis attained unto by a double meanes.
1. By heating of him, for hence our faith comes by the Word.
2. By hearing thus from him, the mind also comes to have a true Idea of God, as he reveals himself in the Word and Means by the Spirit, Job 42.5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee; and this is the shape here spoken of, not bodily ⟨p. 156⟩and carnal. Now Christ doth profess that they did want both. Carnal and unregenerate hearts, neither hear Gods voice, nor have a right Idea of God in their minds, but become vain in their minds, though they have means of knowing, and their foolish hearts are darkened; the wiser they be, the more foolish they grow.