Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

Fourthly, If there be envyings, wranglings, strifes, and divisions amongst the Professors of the Gospel; then 'tis possible that great Professors may be very carnal; nay, that ye read in the Text, and I wish we might not read it in our daily experience; It is the property of a gracious spiritual frame of heart to rejoice in others graces, and to mourn for others sins; 'tis the property of a carnal heart to envy at others graces, and to rejoice and triumph ⟨p. 117⟩over others failings. Now if Professors be at variance, one of one judgment, and another of another, in case a man of another judgment do fail or fall, what rejoicings will there be? if I were spiritual, then I should more grieve for Gods dishonour by the fall of a Professor, then rejoice at the fall of my adversary; but yet so it is, though Gods name be dishonoured by his fall, because he is a Professor; yet another will triumph therein, because he is his adversary; is not this carnal?

Fourthly, If there be envyings, wranglings, strifes, and divisions amongst the Professors of the Gospel; then 'tis possible that great Professors may be very carnal; nay, that ye read in the Text, and I wish we might not read it in our daily experience; It is the property of a gracious spiritual frame of heart to rejoyce in others graces, and to mourn for others sins; 'tis the property of a carnal heart to envy at others graces, and to rejoyce and triumph ⟨p. 117⟩over others failings. Now if Professors be at variance, one of one judgment, and another of another, in case a man of another ju•gment do fail or fall, what rejoycings will there be? if I were spiritual, then I should more grieve for Gods dishonour by the fall of a Professor, then rejoyce at the fall of my adversary; but yet so it is, though Gods name be dishonored by his fall, because he is a Professor; yet another will triumph therein, because he is his adversary; is not this carnal?

Fifthly, If a Professor of the Gospel can neither give reproof without anger, nor take a reproof without distaste, is he not carnal? you that are spiritual, saith the Apostle, restore him that is fallen, with the spirit of meekness. But now if an admonition or reproof be given, either it is given with anger, or it is taken with distaste; Why? but because we are carnal.