A29371:1017
I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…
I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet. I. 19 : II. Christ in travel ... in three sermons on Isai. 53. 11 : III. A lifting up for the down-cast ... delivered in thirteen sermons on Psal. 42, 11 : four several sermons ... / preached by William Bridge ...
London: printed by Peter Cole, 1656
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Object. 4 O! but I fear that I am not called to this Work, but that I am an Intruder, because I meet with so many difficulties in my way.
Answ. 1 Do you meet with Difficulties in your way? What virtue, or virtuous Action is there, but hath some stone upon it? Nulla Virtus sine lapide; there is no virtue, but hath some stone or other that is rolled upon it: As Christ himself had a stone rolled on him, so every Work of Christ, and Truth of Christ, and way of Christ, hath one stone or other that is rolled upon it. Yet ye must know, that there is a Pearl lying under that Stone, and the heavier the stone is, the more precious is the Pearl; the harder the Nut, and Shell is to crack, the sweeter is the Kernel;1 and in due time Christ will send his Angel to roll away the stone from your Work, and his Service, and that before you are aware: When the Women said (as being at a stand, and not knowing what to do) Who shall roll away the stone? Then did the Angel come, and rolled ⟨p. 294⟩it away for them, before they were aware of it. Peter had the Brazen Gates opened for him, when he came to them; they did not stand open before, but when he came at them, then did they open to him: And if you go on in your way, and work which God doth lead you to, the Brazen Gates which are now shut against you, shall then open to you; if, I say, you go on in your work in way of Faith, as following the Conduct of the Lord.
Answ. 1 Do you meet with Difficulties in your way? What vertue, or vertuous Action is there, but hath some stone upon it? Nulla Virtus sine lapide; there is no vertue, but hath some stone or other that is rouled upon it: As Christ himself had a stone rouled on him, so every Work of Christ, and Truth of Christ, and way of Christ, hath one stone or other that is rouled upon it. Yet ye must know, that there is a Pearl lying under that Stone, and the heavier the stone is, the more precious is the Pearl; the harder the Nut, and Shell is to crack, the sweeter is the Kernel;