A29369:193
Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons
Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons ... by that learned and judicious divine, Mr. William Bridge ...
London : Printed and are to be sold by John Hancock Senior and Junior ..., 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Object. But that is the reason why I would lay down my Calling, because I cannot serve God so well therein. I meet with many Temptations, Provocations, and Impediments, which hinder me in the service of God; if I were free from this Calling, then I should be more free for God, and should be more free from those snares and provocations that I now meet with. But for answer:
A•sw. Are you sure of that? Luther tells us of a certain man that was given to anger, and to avoid ⟨p. 55⟩provocation, he would go live alone, as an Hermit; and going to the Well with his Pitcher, somewhat displeased him, and he threw down his Pitcher, and he broke it in Anger, which when he had done, and reflecting on himself, and his own actions, he said, Well, now I see it is not in my condition, but in my heart and self, that doth cause anger and provocation; therefore I will return to my cal•ing again. And when men speak at the rate of that Objection, What do th•y do? but lay the fault of their anger and provocation, upon their condition, and excuse themselves. But our Saviour saith, That that comes from within, that defiles the man, not that which comes from without. 'Tis not the condition or the place, or the employment or calling that defiles the man, but that that comes from within, that defiles the man. Mr. Greenham being asked whether a man might avoid the doing of a thing whereunto he is called;1 because he feels corruption in himself. He said, In avoiding Society, you shall cover, but not cure your infirmities; and though you depart from men, you cannot go out of your self, 'tis not the use of the Creatures, but the love of the Creatures, that hinder from good. I never look said be, for a better estate then that wherein I am; but I oft prepare for a worse. And I pray tell me, Beloved, was not Joshua (when Moses dyed, and he was to lead the people into Canaan) a man of great employment. Yet even then (saith the Lord to him) this book of the Law, shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.