N04855:725
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.
In the Beginning of the 2d Prayer I saw there was a God, for I saw Things had a Being; hence they must have this Being from themselves, or something else: But those poor Creatures the Moon and Stars could not give Being to themselves.
I saw also, how I had embraced the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life, a long Time. And hence I saw it was not only just and righteous that ⟨p. 62⟩the Lord should deny to hear my Prayers, but that it was Mercy he would do so: For what greater Judgment, than to please a Lust, and leave me to it?
I saw also the Pride of my Heart in one Thing more, I saw not before; viz. in setting upon Preaching out of an Apprehension of the Excellency of what I delivered above others, and that these Truths that came from me were choice and excellent and to be received with high Esteem. For, were it not for such a foolish Conceit, I should think my Ministry less and worse than any Man's else, and should hang down my Head in a Hole and not lift it up to speak; which did humble me, and show me my Vanity, and that my Duty was to be carried on, not by such a Principle: But (1) Because it was God's sweet Truth I did deliver: (2) Because it was God's Command I should deliver it: (3) That it was for the sake of the Lord and his Name, wherefore I did so. And here I saw the Lord begin as it were to refine me.
I saw also the Pride of my Heart in one Thing more, I saw not before; viz. in setting upon Preaching out of an Apprehension of the Excellency of what I delivered above others, and that these Truths that came from me were choice and excellent and to be received with high Esteem. For, were it not for such a foolish Conceit, I should think my Ministry less and worse than any Man's else, and should hang down my Head in a Hole and not lift it up to speak; which did humble me, and shew me my Vanity, and that my Duty was to be carried on, not by such a Principle: But (1) Because it was God's sweet Truth I did deliver: (2) Because it was God's Command I should deliver it: (3) That it was for the sake of the Lord and his Name, wherefore I did so. And here I saw the Lord begin as it were to refine me.