A93085:98
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. When the soul thus submits to Christs will for the Lords ends, denying its own wisdom or will, and is-led by the Lord to his end▪ for if a people shall submit to their Prince, but 'tis to set up other princes, he is cast off from his throne. When a man shall serve God, and be under his government because it is profitable or honourable, it suits his own end, this is poor service in the Lords account.
4. When the soul thus submits to Christs will for the Lords ends, denying its own wisdome or will, and is-led by the Lord to his end▪ for if a people shall submit to their Prince, but 'tis to set up other princes, he is cast off from his throne. When a man shall serve God, and be under his government because it is profitable or honourable, it suits his own end, this is poor service in the Lords account.
1. I say then, the soul is under the inward ⟨p. 33⟩kingdom or government of Christ, when the whole soul gives entertainment to the Lord of Lords, the Lord himself with all his train, in and by the Gospel of gra•e, the royal sword and Sceptre of Christs kingdom; for when Christ himself is thus received, the kingdom of God is come to that soul, and entered into that heart; and hence Mark 1.14, 15. the Gospel is called the Gospel of the Kingdom, and when John and Christ preached believe and repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Under which word is comprehended much, but principally Christ Jesus ready to enter the souls of his people; and hence John preached Christ. Now 'tis said, those that were effectually wrought upon, Matt. 11.12. that the kingdom of heaven did suffer violence, and the violent take it by force; so that the kingdom of God is come into the hearts of all the elect of God, when the soul uses a holy violence, and the Lord does draw the heart to an entertainment of the Lord himself; Many difficulties there be between them and Christ, and yet they break through all.