N04855:672
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.
August 2. In Prayer my Heart was very desirous of having the Generation to come know, love and fear the Lord; and my Heart was hereupon much enlarged to set upon Catechising.
I saw also what a sweet Thing it was, not only to have Sinners converted, but to have the Saints edified, and Christ's Work go forward in them; that if it did so, all Things would prosper, even outward Things; whereas else I did fear all our Woes are yet behind.
August 13. I saw [1] that I was worthy to be left to my self and in my Misery and Sin, (1) Not only because I had sinned; but (2) Because of my very Desires to come out of it. For I saw they did arise from Pride; that when I saw how God did not prosper me nor any that did come under my Shadow; and that he left me in the Dark, and hid his Face and Secrets from me; then, when God had cast me down, I would take hold on the Lord and seek to climb up on him, that he might exalt me, and that I might be exalted by being lifted up by him. Whereas I saw it was my Duty, when I was low (1) To be afflicted and mourn, and learn the Bitterness of Sin, and my own Unworthiness. James 4. (2) To be desirous to come out only in Regard of the Lord, that he may be exalted in me and by me. And I did think the Lord set my Heart in such a Frame at that Time. I saw my vile Heart also, that I could be troubled at Sin, when it was cross to me.