N04855:727
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 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.
I concluded this Day [1] with some Measure of Faith; for after Prayer, I left all I prayed for unto God's rich free Grace. And hence I saw (1) That the Lord did take Pleasure in such as hope in his Mercy; (2) That whatsoever I, or any had prayed for, God had promised, and therefore purposed to give; and thence I might quiet my Heart about God's secret Purpose: [2] With Resolution; (1) Whatever God should give me, to attribute it unto Grace; (2) To walk in a Way of Holiness for the Future.
I concluded this Day [1] with some Measure of Faith; for after Prayer, I left all I pray'd for unto God's rich free Grace. And hence I saw (1) That the Lord did take Pleasure in such as hope in his Mercy; (2) That whatsoever I, or any had pray'd for, God had promised, and therefore purposed to give; and thence I might quiet my Heart about God's secret Purpose: [2] With Resolution; (1) Whatever God should give me, to attribute it unto Grace; (2) To walk in a Way of Holiness for the Future.