A59657:50
Certain select cases resolved specially tending to the right ordering of the heart, that…
Certain select cases resolved specially tending to the right ordering of the heart, that we may comfortably walk with God in our general and particular callings / by Thomas Shepherd ...Certain select cases resolved specially tending to the right ordering of the heart, that we may comfortably walk with God in our general and particular callings / by Thomas Shephard ...
London: printed by W.H. for John Rothwell, 1650
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.
There be three things chiefly by which were may discern the motions,1 suggestions, and thoughts which come from Gods spirit: all which concurring together in a good action, or thought, or word, (not one alone) will make discovery whether they are from Gods spirit or not.
There be three things chiefly by which were may discerne the motions,1 suggestions, and thoughts which come from Gods spirit: all which concurring together in a good action, or thought, or word, (not one alone) will make discovery whether they are from Gods spirit or not.
- 1How to try the motions of Gods Spirit.
1. If it be suggested for Gods ends, its from §1Gods spirit, to act so high as for a supernatural end, must arise from a supernatural principle, which only is Gods spirit, Pharisaical actions were for a double selfish end, and hence, not from Gods spirit, but nature, and their own spirit. 1. To be seen of men. 2. If they did any of them abhor this, yet it was to purchase and gender in their own minds an opinion of holiness before God, and hence Christ gives them this Item, in giving Alms, that they should not let the right hand know what their left hand doth: for many men will do good acts, lest they should by the neglect of them, think them hypocrites, and so be troubled for them: Christ would have us not to take notice of what we do for such an end.
1. If it be suggested for Gods ends, its from §1Gods spirit, to act so high as for a supernaturall end, must arise from a supernaturall principle, which only is Gods spirit, Pharasaicall actions were for a double selfish end, and hence, not from Gods spirit, but nature, and their own spirit. 1. To be seen of men. 2. If they did any of them abhor this, yet it was to purchase and gender in their own minds an opinion of holinese before God, and hence Christ gives them this Item, in giving Almes, that they should not let the right hand know what their left hand doth: for many men will doe good acts, lest they should by the neglect of them, thinke them hypocrites, and so be troubled for them: Christ would have us not to take notice of what we do for such an end.