Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

Answ. 1. In case you have been carnal, be humbled for it; A man will never leave a sin for the time to come, unless he be humbled for the time past. Now who is there in all the Congregation, but may cry guilty, guilty? I am the man or woman that have been carnal under my Spiritual and Gospel-profession? Why then, go to God and humble your self before him, in reference to the carnality of your Profession.

Secondly, In case you have begun a Profession of Christ, be sure that you look well to your beginnings and settings out. 'Tis possible that a carnal beginning may make a spiritual ending; but ordinarily if men set out the wrong way at the first, they go wrong all the day after. And it is usual with men to be carnal at the entrance into their Profession. Facite me, &c. said he, Make me Bishop of Rome, and I will be a Christian: But dimidium facti, He that hath well begun hath done half his work. Be sure therefore that you look to your beginnings, and first settings out for Godliness. And in case,

Thirdly, That you are a Professor of some standing, Then make it your work and business to go over ⟨p. 132⟩your work again, and to refine your work. Ye are now come to that mount, where the Lord hath given you wine upon the lees well refined. Ordinances refined, and Gospel enjoyments refined. And what do these call for but a refined Conversation? And how should that be, but by making it your work and business to refine all your duties. True, I have prayed many times, but now I will go and refine all my prayers. I have conversed with the Saints, now I will go and refine my converses; yea, I will make it my work now to refine my works.