A29371:1031
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.
He that is employed, and used in a way of Love and Mercy, is very tender of the Name of God, and doth so act and work as the Name of God may not suffer, or be defiled by him. Thus it was with Ezra, though the Enemy lay in his way to Judea, yet he would not ask a Convoy of the King; for says he, I was ashamed to require of the King a Band of Soldiers, 1and Horse-men, to help us against the Enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the King, saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him, and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Now Ezra was a good man, a man that God did call forth to this Employment, not only out of Love to others, but to himself; and thus did he act for God, being more careful of Gods Name in the work, than of their own safety.
He that is employed, and used in a way of Love and Mercy, is very tender of the Name of God, and doth so act and work as the Name of God may not suffer, or be defiled by him. Thus it was with Ezra, though the Enemy lay in his way to Judea, yet he would not ask a Convoy of the King; for saies he, I was ashamed to require of the King a Band of Soldiers, 1and Hors-men, to help us against the Enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the King, saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him, and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Now Ezra was a good man, a man that God did call forth to this Employment, not only out of Love to others, but to himself; and thus did he act for God, being more careful of Gods Name in the work, than of their own safety.
- 1Ezra, 8.
When a man is employed in a way of Love and mercy to his own soul also, then he doth grow in Grace whilst he is exrcising of his Gift. A man that exerciseth a Gift for the good of others only, grows in Parts, and in Pride also: But a good man grows in Experience, and so he doth grow in Faith; he meets with difficulties, and deliverances, so he doth grow in Faith; God discovers himself to him in the way, so he still grows in Faith, Love, and Holiness: God gives him a Promise when he sends him forth (as he did give o Joshua, Chap. 1.) this he looks much upon, and goes forth in the strength of, and so as he uses his Gift in his work, he doth grow in grace thereby; but the other doth not.