A93085:343
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.
Use 3. Use 3 Of dread and terror to all unregenerate men. Hence see the heavy wrath of God against them: they have indeed the Scriptures, and the precious Word of God dispensed to them; but the Lord never speaks one word unto them. If any one from whom we expect and look for love, pass by us and never speak; What not speak a word? and we call to him and he will not speak, we conclude he is angry and displeased with us. You look for love, do you not? you that hear every Sabbath, and come to Lectures, and you must out; tis well: yes, you will say, His love is better then life, and frowns more bitter then death; Love? woe to me if the Lord do not love me, better never been born. I hope he loves me. Happy I if the mountains might fall on me, to crush me in pieces if he loves me not, &c. but consider if he loves, he will then speak peace unspeakable to thy conscience when humbled, life to thy heart; joy in the Holy Ghost, Isa. 57.19. John 6.63. 1 Thes. 1.6. but look upon thy soul, and see this day in the sight of God, whether ever the Lord spake one word to thee: outwardly indeed he hath, but not inwardly; inwardly also, but not effectually, to turn them from darkness to light, and the power of Satan to God, &c. The voice of God is full of Majesty, it shakes the heart; 'tis full of life, it quickens the dead, and light, and ⟨p. 164⟩peace, and gives wisdom to the simple. Ps. 119. Opening of thy word gives light to the eyes. How many women, ever learning and never knowing, and many men learning and knowing what is said, but never hear God speak? Then know the wrath of the Lord, see and go home mourning under it. There is a fourfold wrath in this.
Ʋse 3. Ʋse 3 Of dread and terrour to all unregenerate men. Hence see the heavy wrath of God against them: they have indeed the Scriptures, and the precious Word of God dispensed to them; but the Lord never speaks one word unto them. If any one from whom we expect and look for love, passe by us and never speak; What not speak a word? and we call to him and he will not speak, we conclude he is angry and displeased with us. You look for love, do you not? you that heare every Sabbath, and come to Lectures, and you must out; tis well: yes, you will say, His love is better then life, and frownes more bitter then death; Love? wo to me if the Lord do not love me, better never been born. I hope he loves me. Happy I if the mountains might fall on me, to crush me in pieces if he loves me not, &c. but consider if he loves, he will then speak peace unspeakable to thy conscience when humbled, life to thy heart; joy in the Holy Ghost,