N04855:540
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
MEDITATIONS AND Spiritual Experiences OF Mr. THOMAS SHEPARD.
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.
Jan. 12. On Lecture-Day Morning I began to feel my Heart slight and vilify what I was to deliver. But the Lord put it into my Mind, that though the Truth is a poor, mean Thing in it self, as every Ordinance also is; yet very glorious, as it is appointed and ⟨p. 6⟩separated of God for his own Ends. Hence I came to see the Glory of God's Ordinances, where it did lie; and that was, not in themselves, but in God's sanctifying them for most sweet Ends to communicate his Presence and his lovely Pleasantness, and this Love operating with Power.
Jan. 19. I saw my loose Walking without God: and so was put to a Stand, what to say of my self. I saw that Hypocrites are far from humbling, because far from Conviction: they hope something there is in them. But I brought my Heart to consider thus, If my State is good, then there is Cause of deeper Mourning for abusing the Lord, so good; or my State is not good, and then there is Cause of Breaking because I am so wretched still; and so I went to Prayer.
Jan. 21. I saw God's Wrath kindled against Sin; and hence I saw, and mourned for, the Evil of Sin, so bitter to Him.