N04855:542
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. 21. I saw God's Wrath kindled against Sin; and hence I saw, and mourned for, the Evil of Sin, so bitter to Him.
I was on the 26th of January much affected with the Lord's Goodness, and brought near to him.
First I found many Lets standing between me and the Lord in Prayer; as the Hiding of his Face, my own Heart turned from him. But then I saw Christ, and his Command to come Hand in Hand with him to the Father. So that methought I was with God and in his Presence. And then this Truth came in, That if ever I got Good from the Lord in any Ordinance, I must first come into the Presence of God, and set him before me, as Cornelius and his Company did, and as in Psal. 84.—And when I was here, methought it was so sweet to pray and make my Moan to the Lord, as a God that could and was willing to pity. And so I was so knit to God that I intended never to depart from him again. (1) I saw God was my Rest; and hence, why should I depart from him to any other Thing, in Regard of his Goodness? (2) I saw the Riches of his Mercy: Hence I came to get ⟨p. 7⟩my Conscience at Rest, and to believe he would hear me, and be with me. (3.) I saw his Glory: and hence saw my whole Life should Rest there, in acting for, and honouring of him, who alone was worthy.
First I found many Lets standing between me and the Lord in Prayer; as the Hiding of his Face, my own Heart turned from him. But then I saw Christ, and his Command to come Hand in Hand with him to the Father. So that metho't I was with God and in his Presence. And then this Truth came in, That if ever I got Good from the Lord in any Ordinance, I must first come into the Presence of God, and set him before me, as Cornelius and his Company did, and as in