A29369:287
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.
Sermons › Sermon 4: OF GOOD AND BAD COMPANY, How to avoid the one, and improve the other.
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.
Answ. 1. You must go to God and beseech him for to choose •our company for you: Mark what David said and did; in this Scripture he saith, I am a companion of all those that do fear the Lord; yet ver. 79. he goes to God, and prayeth, saying, Let those that fear thee, O Lord, turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. As if he should say, Of a truth, Lord I am a companion of all that do fear thee; but it is not in my power to bend their hearts unto me; the hearts of all men are in thy hands, now therefore let those that fear thee turn unto me. So do you go to God, and say likewise, Lord, do thou choose my company for me, let those that fear thee turn in unto me: O do thou bow and incline their hearts to be my companions.
Answ. 1. You must go to God and beseech him for to chuse •our company for you: Mark what David said and did; in this Scripture he saith, I am a companion of all those that do fear the Lord; yet ver. 79. he goes to God, and prayeth, saying, Let those that fear thee, O Lord, turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. As if he should say, Of a truth, Lord I am a companion of all that do fear thee; but it is not in my power to bend their hearts unto me; the hearts of all men are in thy hands, now therefore let those that fear thee turn unto me. So do you go to God, and say likewise, Lord, do thou chuse my company for me, let those that fear thee turn in unto me: O do thou bowe and incline their hearts to be my companions.
2ly. If you would act herein under God, and make a right choice of your company, then must you get your nature changed. The Raven keeps company with the Ravens, and not with the Pigeons; ⟨p. 104⟩but if the nature of the Raven were changed into the nature of a Pigeon, it would flock together with the Pigeons. Every thing follows its nature. Labour therefore to get your nature changed; and then though you have flown with the Ravens, you will flock together with Gods Doves.