Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

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.

Fourthly, Whether you be of long or late standing in Religion pray much for the pourings forth of the Spirit upon you. Ye read in the Gospel, that the Disciples were very carnal before Christs Death; but after his Ascension, then they were very spiritual: Why? because the Holy Ghost was then fallen down upon them. Would ye be more spiritual, and less carnal, pray for the pourings out of the Holy Ghost upon your Souls. And