N04855:56
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.
1. If it be suggested for God's ends, its from God's spirit: to act so high as for a supernatural end, must arise from a supernatural principle, which only is God's spirit. Pharisaical actions were for a double selfish end, and hence not from God's spirit, but nature, and their own spirit, 1. To be seen of men, 2. If they did any of them abhor this, yet it was to purchase and gender in their own minds an opinion of holiness before God: and hence Christ gives them this Item, in giving Alms, that they should not let their right hand know what their left hand doth: for many men will do good acts, least they should by the neglect of them, think themselves hypocrites, and so be troubled for them. Christ would have us not to take notice of what we do for such an end.
2. If they be animated and quickened from ⟨p. 6⟩God's command, for the higher measure of holiness, for glorious ends, without a warrant from the Word, is the more sordid superstition. Christ healed the leper: when he charged him with anger to tell no man; he, no question for a good end, published the miracle the more: this was a good motion, but it was sinful in him, being cross to Christ's command. When Christ would have washed Peter's feet, he had many thoughts that came into his head, concerning his own vileness, and Christ's glory; and had a good end and meaning in his answers; yet his humility crossing Christ's command, the Lord professeth against it and him for it, that he had no part in him, if he should go on in it.
2. If they be animated and quickned from ⟨p. 6⟩God's command, for the higher measure of holiness, for glorious ends, without a warrant from the Word, is the more sordid superstition. Christ healed the leper: when he charged him with anger to tell no man; he, no question for a good end, published the miracle the more: this was a good motion, but it was sinful in him, being cross to Christ's command. When Christ would have washed Peter's feet, he had many thoughts that came into his head, concerning his own vilenss, and Christ's glory; and had a good end and meaning in his answers; yet his humility crossing Christ's command, the Lord professeth against it and him for it, that he had no part in him, if he should go on in it.