A29371:693
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.
Answ. 1 No: For possibly you may be mistaken: Some do abate in their Natural Parts, and they think they decay in their Graces: as some grow in Parts and Gifts, and they think they grow in their Graces. But if you have not fallen into any great and gross sin, then no such Spiritual Disease or Fever hath seized on you, whereby your Grace should be weakened.
Answ. 1 No: For possibly you may be mistaken: Some do abate in their Natural Parts, and they think they decay in their Graces: as some grow in Parts and Gifts, and they think they grow in their Graces. But if you have not fallen into any great and gross sin, then no such Spiritual Disease or Feaver hath seized on you, whereby your Grace should be weakened.
Answ. 2 But suppose the thing be true, which you do object, That you have sinned, and by your own sin, your Grace is now weakened; then have you cause indeed to be much humbled before the Lord, yet not to be discouraged. For,
If nothing have befallen you, but what may possibly befall a true Believer, then you have no reason to be cast down as without hope. Now ye know how it was with Sampson; he was strong, and of great strength inward and outward; yet his strength was taken away, and he became as one of us: How so? why, he had laid his head in Delilah's Lap, and so he lost his strength, and was weakened by it; but it cost him dear, both his Eyes, and his Life too: And if you have so laid your head in Delilah's Lap, that your strength is abated, it may, and it is likely it will cost you dear; yet this case is no other than what may befall one recorded for a true Believer.
If nothing have befallen you, but what may possibly befal a true Beleever, then you have no reason to be cast down as without hope. Now ye know how it was with Sampson; he was strong, and of great strength inward and outward; yet his strength was taken away, and he became as one of us: How so? why, he had laid his head in Dalilah's Lap, and so he lost his strength, and was weakened by it; but it cost him dear, both his Eyes, and his Life too: And if you have so laid your head in Dalilah's Lap, that your strength is abated, it may, and it is likely it will cost you dear; yet this case is no other than what may befal one recorded for a true Beleever.