N04855:615
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.
I saw also, how one Sin begat another in this Country, and we did not cease to increase therein. And hence I saw, what just Cause the Lord had to strike us with sore and great Wants, and yet how, if Sin were repented of by preaching against it, the Lord would return. So I saw it my Duty to preach against them.—
May 18. In Prayer I was ashamed that I should not serve the Lord, as I had done my Lust and my Sin.
I saw also that God was beforehand with Men. (1) In that he had reconciled the World to himself. (2) That he did beseech them to be reconciled. Now I saw that all the Work did lie upon Man. For if the Party offended first seek to be Friends, I need not call in Question his Willingness, but my own wicked Maliciousness. Here I saw, that if it be so with Man, and he do not come in to him that seeks for Favour, 'tis either (1) from Contempt; or (2) Anger, quarrelling at his Dealing; or (3) Malice, yet the Lord wraps up all in one Word, Enmity.
May 21. In Prayer I desired two Things (1) That God only might be sweet, (2) That his Will might be mine. At which Time it came into my Heart, If you sincerely desire these two, you will desire to be in Heaven, where these two are fully perfected. For I saw though Death was naturally terrible, yet I secretly rejoiced to think of that infinite Mercy, when God alone shall fill my Soul with his immediate Infiniteness.