N04855:635
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.
June. 17. I saw that as by Christ I had Access to the Father, so by Faith and Prayer of Faith I had Access to Christ.—Again I saw how many if not most Men, were led and governed by certain Humours. Hence sometimes light, sometimes sad: And Men were hence religious in Humour, discouraged also by the Humours of their Body.
The Lord also brought my Soul to place all my Happiness in being one in and with Christ, and to have Mind and Heart only placed on him. Hence I saw, this was Heaven on Earth. But I considered, why should I meddle with other Matters then? And I considered, I must be like to Christ in communicating Good to others, as well as being united to him. And so I saw that, but for the Sake of others, and their Good, I would meddle no more with this World. And this set my Heart right and in a sweet Frame. And I saw it was a Sign I sought not my self in a Duty, when I was (Autarchees †and) satisfied; filled with God and Christ in my self. Then all my Acts arise, not from Indigency and Want in my self and so for my self, but for GOD and for the Sake of others.
- †This Greek Word signifies, One who is the Most absolute Possessor of Things: As true Believers are represented to be. 1 Cor. 3.21, 22.
I saw also how imprudent I was, and how unwilling to any holy Duty, and knew not my Seasons of advising, admonishing &c. Hence I saw a Need of the Force, Energy and Impulses of the Spirit strongly to press me to my Way, and carry me on in it; as it did Paul in going to Jerusalem, and when he was a while at Athens, and as it did CHRIST, when he went to the Desert, Mat. •4.1. Ekballei. And hereupon I resolved to pray for this, as it might be one special Assurance to me that I was in God's Way and doing his Work.