N04855:748
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.
Decemb. 11. On Saturday at Night, I was stirred up to pray for the Spirit: Not only for particular Graces of it, but for the Spirit it self. The Ground of this my Prayer was;
Decemb. 11. On Saturday at Night, I was stirr'd up to pray for the Spirit: Not only for particular Graces of it, but for the Spirit it self. The Ground of this my Prayer was;
(1) Because I felt an Absence of the Spirit exceeding much. I found I was sensual and carnal, and carried and acted by my own Spirit in every Thing, However I felt a little of God's Spirit smoking forth in some weak Desires after it; I felt not the Power of it, according as Paul did bound by it, led with it. Acts 1. Power from on high: (2) Because I saw this the next and surest Way to have all the Graces of the Spirit; to have all the Impressions of this Seal, by having the Seal it self. Whereas, if I wrought for one particular Grace without this, it was far about: (3) Because the Spirit can heal, help, quicken, humble, suddenly, and easily; Whereas otherwise I may be long before I can see: (4) Because it works Grace and Life effectually. My own Spirit, and Light, and Affection may deceive me when they act; but this cannot: (5) Because it works Grace eternally, as it self is eternal.
(1) Because I felt an Absence of the Spirit exceeding much. I found I was sensual and carnal, and carried and acted by my own Spirit in every Thing, However I felt a little of God's Spirit smoaking forth in some weak Desires after it; I felt not the Power of it, according as Paul did bound by it, led with it. Acts 1. Power from on high: (2) Because I saw this the next and surest Way to have all the Graces of the Spirit; to have all the Impressions of this Seal, by having the Seal it self. Whereas, if I wrought for one particular Grace without this, it was far about: (3) Because the Spirit can heal, help, quicken, humble, suddenly, and easily; Whereas otherwise I may be long before I can see: (4) Because it works Grace and Life effectually. My own Spirit, and Light, and Affection may deceive me when they act; but this cannot: (5) Because it works Grace eternally, as it self is eternal.