N04855:166
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.
3. Consider whether the same will and word that gives it a Being, together with all the appurtenances to it, doth not also give it Act and Motion. That it is so, I thus demonstrate; (1) Every creature is made for an end; for no wise efficient, but works for some wise end: (2) That no creature can lead it self to its end, if sinful or irrational: (3) God must and doth lead it by its several acts and movings to that end: Hence (4) Every act is determined by God.
And although I grant some creatures move freely, some necessarily; yet it is from a positive ⟨p. 52⟩will and providence that they move, act and see. Therefore you see what cause there is to see a positive providence in every thing.
Concerning the rest of your letter; Oh that I had time and heart to write more; yet I hope I have writ enough for this time, and the Lord knows whether ever more or no. However I thank you heartily for improving me this way of writing, who have my mouth stopped from speaking. I wish I had more such friends to deal thus with me, and my self more time, and a more fruitful head and heart to improve my self this, or any other like way for them: For who knows what breathings of God's Spirit are lost for want of writing, especially when there is no season of speaking? Truly Sir, I meet with few that are much troubled in that manner as your self; but they go on in an easy, quiet, and very dangerous way: Which troubles, I persuade my self, keep you awaking, when other virgins are slumbering; and after which, I am persuaded, the Lord intends to use you for more than common service, if you wade well through them. However as I said before, be not discouraged, or too much perplexed in sorrow for them: For surely, as far as I can guess, the Lord is preparing you for himself by them I shall not forget you, though I never see you: And I beseech you, if you have any spark of affection toward me kindled by these few lines, remember when you are best able to pray for your self, to look after me and mine, and all that go with me on the mighty waters; and then