N04855:53
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 1: CASE I. Of ordering the Thoughts in Civil Employments.
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.
First how to know when such religious pious thoughts come from God's spirit, and when from the Devil transforming himself into an Angel of light; or from a well-melted stirring conscience, yet blind. For when you know they come from God's spirit, you are bound to nourish them; but when not, you are not bound to embrace nor comply with them. Secondly, Learn how your soul is ⟨p. 5⟩to behave and carry it self in Civil employments: For when you see how you do, and may honour God in following them, your spirit will not be so unquiet, if at any time you embrace not the suggestions of the other.
I. For the first briefly; all good motions and thoughts are not the spirit's motions: as may thus appear.
There be three things chiefly by which we may discern the motions, suggestions, and that's which come from God's spirit: all which concurring together in a good action, or thought, or word (not one alone) will make discovery whether they are from God's spirit or not.
There be three things chiefly by which we may discern the motions, suggestions, and thot's which come from God's spirit: all which concurring together in a good action, or thought, or word (not one alone) will make discovery whether they are from God's spirit or not.