Some select cases resolved. Specially, tending to the right ordering of the heart, that…

As for the Diary succeeding—That it is the genuine Composure of this excellent Divine, appears from an old Manuscript found at Cambridge above Thirty Years ago, and ascribed to him as in the Title-Page: As also from this further Evidence, that the Sentiments, the Spirit, the Stile and Manner of Expression are entirely Mr. Shepard's; and whoever will take the Pains to compare this with his Sermons on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and other Writings, will clearly see their exact Similitude: And above all yet, that Dr. Cotton Mather, in drawing Mr. Shepard's Life, about Fifty ⟨p. 7⟩Years ago, had this Part at least of the Diary before him, from whence he has transcribed several Paragraphs: As of Dec. 1. 1640; Mar. 19, April 10, July 10, Aug. 15, Oct. 10, and Nov. 3, 1641. But the Rest were never published 'till now.

As for the Diary succeeding—That it is the genuine Composure of this excellent Divine, appears from an old Manuscript found at Cambridge above Thirty Years ago, and ascribed to him as in the Title-Page: As also from this further Evidence, that the Sentiments, the Spirit, the Stile and Manner of Expression are intirely Mr. Shepard's; and whoever will take the Pains to compare this with his Sermons on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and other Writings, will clearly see their exact Similitude: And above all yet, that Dr. Cotton Mather, in drawing Mr. Shepard's Life, about Fifty ⟨p. 7⟩Years ago, had this Part at least of the Diary before him, from whence he has transcribed several Paragraphs: As of Dec. 1. 1640; Mar. 19, April 10, July 10, Aug. 15, Oct. 10, and Nov. 3, 1641. But the Rest were never published 'till now.

And here it is an Act of Justice to consider, that the Rev. Author penning these retired Meditations only for his own private Use; we must suppose, he did not write with so much Guard and Correctness of Expression as if he were preparing for the public View: or he would no Doubt have rectified several Passages and rendered them more clear and accurate. Yea tis likely they would have appeared more correct and clear, if we could have found the Author's Manuscript. The equitable and much more the candid Reader will therefore make just and kind Allowances. And the very Name of Mr. Shepard is enough to recommend these his private Thoughts to those who have read his Writings, are seriously concerned for their Salvation, and afraid of being deceived in Matters of eternal Moment.