Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

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.

6, If a Professor •f the Gospel do use carnal engines to obtain his designs, is he not carnal therein? now thus it may be possibly with some great Professors of the Gospel. Abraham was a good man, and a great Professor, yet when he would secure and preserve himself, he said to Sarah, say, Thou art my Sister. The thing was true, and no lye, but it was a carnal engine that he then used to obtain that design. We read of Abner, that when he would bring about the Kingdom to David, for his own preferment, then he went to the heads of Israel and told them of the promise that God made to David. Here Ne quis in honestas cupiditates religionis glaucomate obtegato Vide Cluveri Histor. Mundi p. 108. ⟨p. 118⟩he made use of a Religious Engine to obtain his own carnal ends. Sometimes men use their carnal Engines to obtain Religious designs; Sometimes they use Religions Engines to obtain their carnal ends, and what more ordinary then this, even amongst Professors. Why? But because they are carnal.

Seventhly, the more selfish any man is in seeking his own particular interest in the time or cause of public concernments, the more carnal he is, a selfish principle is a carnal principle; now this may be amongst Professors, Judges 5. Why says the Holy Ghost to Reuben, Why abidest thou amongst the Sheepfolds to hear the bleatings of the Flock; and why did Dan remain in Ships; there was a great cause a foot, Zebulon and Naphtali came forth, but as for Asher they abode in the Creeks, Dan in the Ships, and Reuben abode among the Sheep-folds to hear the bleatings &c. that is, says Peter Martyr,