N04855:152
Some select cases resolved. Specially, tending to the right ordering of the heart, that…
Some 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: &c. In a letter to a pious friend in England. / By Thomas Shepard, M.A. Formerly of Emmanuel-College in Cambridge in England: afterward Minister of Cambridge in New-England. ; Corrected by four several editions.
Boston: printed by Rogers and Fowle, 1747
Case 6: CASE VI. Of Unwillingness to and Weariness in solemn Services.
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.
Answ. 2. Again, to the latter part of your third complaint concerning your spirit being burdened with involuntary infirmities, as burdens, but not as sins; I say nothing now, because I perceive by one part of your reply that the Lord has done you some good by the first answer; only it is your grief you cannot fear them, nor condemn yourself for them, as damning sins. For satisfaction of which, I hope this reply to your second trouble will give you some satisfaction.
Answ. 2. Again, to the latter part of your third complaint concerning your spirit being burthened with involuntary infirmities, as burdens, but not as sins; I say nothing now, because I perceive by one part of your reply that the Lord has done you some good by the first answer; only it is your grief you cannot fear them, nor condemn yourself for them, as damning sins. For satisfaction of which, I hope this reply to your second trouble will give you some satisfaction.
QUESTION IV. How to know the Movings of the Spirit.
Again to your fourth question, to know whether these changes you have sometimes, and these movings of your Spirit, are not of natural temper, or God's Spirit. It seems I did a little mistake the meaning; because you meant not the main work of grace, but occasional stirrings and movings of the heart; as by reading some pathetical Letter, your Spirit is moved with joy or sorrow, which it may be will not be stirred at some other time; as by drinking a cup of wine, the spirit is made more cheerful and lively, &c.
Again to your fourth question, to know whether these changes you have sometimes, and these movings of your Spirit, are not of natural temper, or God's Spirit. It seems I did a little mistake the meaning; because you meant not the main work of grace, but occasional stirrings and movings of the heart; as by reading some pathetical Letter, your Spirit is moved with joy or sorrow, which it may be will not be stirred at some other time; as by drinking a cup of wine, the spirit is made more chearful and lively, &c.