A93085:355
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.
That look as Gods love is everlasting, so his words have an everlasting excellency and efficacy in them, and goodness in them, the sweetest token of his love: and as Christs purchase is only of eternal good things; so the application of this purchase by the Word, 'tis of eternal worth: peace, but peace eternal, life, light, favour, joy, but joy eternal; like mustard seed, though very little, yet mighty in increase, and never subdued again; so that though it be but little, yet 'tis eternal: and hence observe where God hath spoken effectually, the longer the man lives, the more he grows in the virtue and power of the word; another though wonderfully ravished for a time, yet dies, most commonly outwardly ⟨p. 170⟩in external Profession, but ever in inward savour; so that when you hear the word, and it moves you, affects you, and John is a burning light, and you rejoice therein, but 'tis but for a season. The evil Spirit comes on you, and David plays upon his Harp, and Ministers preach sweet things, but as soon as the Music is done, the evil Spirit returns, I say you never heard the Lords voice. The peace and joy of the Lord enters into Eternity, and the Apostle expressly calls him an unfruitful hearer, James 1.24. that sees his face and forgets himself. A gracious heart can say, This peace shall go to heaven; and joy, and love, and fear, it's part of eternal glory.
That look as Gods love is everlasting, so his words have an everlasting excellency and efficacy in them, and goodnes in them, the sweetest token of his love: and as Christs purchase is only of eternal good things; so the application of this purchase by the Word, 'tis of eternal worth: peace, but peace eternal, life, light, favour, joy, but joy eternal; like mustard seed, though very little, yet mighty in increase, and never subdued again; so that though it be but little, yet 'tis eternal: and hence observe where God hath spoken effectually, the longer the man lives, the more he growes in the vertue and power of the word; another though wonderfully ravished for a time, yet dies, most commonly outwardly ⟨p. 170⟩in external Profession, but ever in inward savour; so that when you hear the word, and it moves you, affects you, and John is a burning light, and you rejoyce therein, but 'tis but for a season. The evil Spirit comes on you, and David playes upon his Harp, and Ministers preach sweet things, but as soon as the Musick is done, the evil Spirit returns, I say you never heard the Lords voice. The peace and joy of the Lord enters into Eternity, and the Apostle expresly calls him an unfruitful hearer,