Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

Ans. True they do so, and its possible that God may hide his face from his own Children for a time; but what Child of God is there in all the world, but the face of God hath shined upon. It is possible that a Child of a natural Father, may never see the face of his Father, his Father may be dead before he is born; but no child of God but hath seen his Fathers face: for what is the face of God but his favour; and what is the shine thereof but the manifestation of his favour; and when God pardoned his sin at the first, did not he manifest his love and favour to him? And ⟨p. 16⟩doth he not daily do it in supporting him with his Arm? In the times of the old Testament, the Saints did measure the favour of God too much by outward mercies and blessings, because the Land of Canaan was promised them as a favour from God, when the Enemy did break in upon them they said, That God did then hide his face from them; but ye know how is is with the day, if it be day the Sun shines, and though ye see not the beams thereof, yet you see the light thereof; so here, though you see not the beams of Gods countenance, yet if it be day with you, you see the light thereof. Now it is day with all the Children of God, they are Children of the day; and therefore whatever they say or think, there is none of Gods Children, but the face of God doth or hath shined upon.

Quest. But how shall I know that the face of God hath ever shined on my Soul, for there are many delusions about this matter? How shall I therefore know that God hath ever lift up the light of his Countenance upon my Soul?

5. General.