A93085:347
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 his insensible anger: for a fat heart and an heavy ear ever go together; for you will say, I feel no hurt in this, I have heard and been never the better, but yet that hath made me never the worse. Oh poor creature! 'tis because you feel it not; but when the time of misery shall come, you will say, This is woe and load enough, for the Lord to give no answer. Psal. 7•.9. We see not our Prophets, nor any to tell us how long: so you that despise means you shall then lament and say, none can tell how long. Oh therefore, lament this thy condition now, that the Lord may hear some of your cries, &c.
4. 'Tis his insensible anger: for a fat heart and an heavy eare ever go together; for you will say, I feel no hurt in this, I have heard and been never the better, but yet that hath made me never the worse. Oh poor creature! 'tis because you feel it not; but when the time of misery shall come, you will say, This is wo and load enough, for the Lord to give no answer. Psal. 7•.9. We see not our Prophets, nor any to tell us how long: so you that despise meanes you shall then lament and say, none can tell how long. Oh therefore, lament this thy condition now, that the Lord may hear some of your cries, &c.
Use 4. Use 4 Hence examine whether ever you heard the Lords voice or no: not only outwardly (for that you know you have ⟨p. 166⟩often done) but inwardly; and not only so, for so ye may do, and yet your ears heavy; but effectually, that if it be not so, you may be humble and say, Lord how have I spent my time in vain? and if it be so, you may be thankful, and say, Lord, what am I that the infinite God should speak to me?