Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

That the Pigeon doth converse with the Pigeon, and not with the Raven; but because their disposition doth naturally lead them to converse with those that are in nature like to them. Now the divine nature of all good men is spiritually the same naturally; therefore as a good man, he cannot but converse and walk with those that are good: And as he can do no other, so it is best for him to do so; for in good company there is much safety, as there is danger in bad, so in good company there is great safety. Our way to Heaven is a journey, and we are all travelling thither; now ye know that in a great journey, a good day, and a good way, and good company is very comfortable; so in our journey ⟨p. 77⟩to Heaven, a clear Gospel day, a plain, even way and good company, is a great mercy, and a sweet privilege; insomuch as John that wrote the book of the Revelations glories in it: for I pray mark how he stiles himself. I John am the Pen-man of this Book, and would you know, saith he, what my title is, it is this, your Brother and Companion in Tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ. Rev. 1.9. It seems then, First, That he that lies in Christs bosom will lie in the bosom of the Saints; of all the Disciples it's written of John, that he was the Beloved Disciple, that lay in Christs bosom: now says he to all the Saints. I am your Brother and Companion. Secondly, it seems by this Scripture, That he that is our true companion will keep us company into tribulation, I am your Brother and Companion in Tribulation. Thirdly you may here see, that those who are the Saints companions in tribulation, shall be companions also with them in the Kingdom of Christ, I am your Brother and Companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ. Fourthly, That it is an honour, mercy, and a great privilege to be a companion with the Saints, though it be in matter of tribulation, for herein doth John glory, I John, who also am your Brother and Companion in Tribulation; plainly then, it is a great mercy and a sweet privilege to have good company. But to clear up this thing to you, I shall only make use of one argument, which though one, hath many in the bosom of it.

That the Pidgeon doth converse with the Pidgeon, and not with the Raven; but because their disposition doth naturaly lead them to converse with those that are in nature like to them. Now the divine nature of all good men is spiritually the same naturally; therefore as a good man, he cannot but converse and walk with those that are good: And as he can do no other, so it is best for him to do so; for in good company there is much safety, as there is danger in bad, so in good company there is great safety. Our way to Heaven is a journey, and we are all travelling thither; now ye know that in a great journey, a good day, and a good way, and good company is very comfortable; so in our journey