A29371:897
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.
But now, though there be never so much Gal, and Wormwood in this Cup, yet the Children of God have no reason to faint at the drinking of it; no just cause, or reason, yet to faint, or be discouraged, or cast down.
Quest. How may that appear?
Answ. 1 First. For the clearing of this Truth to you, ye must know, That God, or Christ, is said to forsake a man, either in regard of his Power, Grace, or Strength; or in regard of the comfortable feelings of his Love; either in re••rd of Union, or in regard of Vision. 1. In regard of Union, He never forsakes his own People. 2. In regard of his Power, Grace, and Strength, he never forsakes them totally. 3. And in regard of Vision, or comfortable feelings, though he do forsake for a time, yet he will return again: and if all ⟨p. 153⟩these be true, have they any reason to be much discouraged? For the first, ye know what is said, Those whom he loves, 1he loves unto the end. As for the Second, ye know what he saith also; I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 2We are kept by the Power of God unto Salvation. And as for the Third, hath not the Lord promised, Isay, 54. that he will return again with advantage? ver. 7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercy will I gather thee: In a little wrath, I hid my face from thee, for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer, ver. 8. Now ye know, that Friends are not much troubled at such a parting, which is but for a time. It is said of the Church of Ephesus, That when Paul ook leave of them, they wept, Because he said they should see his face no more. The Saints cannot say so in regard of Christ, though they see not his face for the present, yet they cannot say, I shall see his face no more; for he will return again, yea, and return with advantage: for though he forsakes for a moment, yet with great mercy, and with everlasting kindness, will the Lord have mercy on them: What then, though you be forsaken for a moment? have you any just cause, and reason for your Discouragement?