Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

6ly. If our affections be not thus set on things above, you will never do any great thing for God. We read of David, that he gave 347. Millions, 382. thousand, 50•. pound in Silver and Gold of his own cha•ges, to the building of Gods house; for so the learned do compute the matter, a mighty great and a vast sum; but if you look into the 1st. of Chron. 29. ye shall see how this came to pass, that he gave such a gift. v 3. it's said, I have set mine affections to the house of God; and because I have set mine affections to the house of God, I have of mine own proper goods given, &c. And what is the reason that men give and do no more now for God; but because their affections are not set on the things of God, but if God have done great things for us; and Christ have suffered great things for us, shall not we do some great things for him; this ye cannot do unless your affections be thus set. Surely therefore it is our duty to set our affections on things that are above.

7ly. If your affections be not thus set, you can never please God in any thing that you do for God: for as he requireth truth in the inward parts,¹ so he requireth that we should serve him with fervency of Spirit;² Be fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord. Rom 12.11. As if no service could be acceptable without the fervency of affection. Cursed is every one that hath in his flock a Male, saith Malachi, and offereth a Female to God. Go and offer it to thy Prince saith God. Do you think that I will accept your Female affections? No saith the Lord, if you would have acceptance with me, I must have the best, and the Masculine affections from you. Surely therefore it is very fit and necessary that our affections be set and placed on things that are above.

1. 1Affectum non vocem audit Deus. August.