A29371:973
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.
Thirdly: If an Affliction teacheth the mind of God, then it doth come from Love; As many as he loveth, he chastiseth; And blessed is the man whom thou chastiseth, and teachest out of thy Law: So that if Affliction, be a teaching Affliction, then it doth come from Love.
Fourthly: If it be laid on in measure, and imposed in due, and seasonable time, so as a man may grow thereby; then it doth come from Love. When a man intendeth to kill, and destroy a Tree, or to bring it unto the fire, he cuts it at any time, so as it shall grow no more; but if he cut it in a due time, it argueth that he intendeth it for growth. So when God pruneth, and cuts by Afflictions, in such a time as men may grow in Grace; it argues his Love.
Fourthly: If it be laid on in measure, and imposed in due, and seasonable time, so as a man may grow thereby; then it doth come from Love. When a man intendeth to kill, and destroy a Tree, or to bring it unto the fire, he cuts it at any time, so as it shal grow no more; but if he cut it in a due time, it argueth that he intendeth it for growth. So when God pruneth, and cuts by Afflictions, in such a time as men may grow in Grace; it argues his Love.
Fifthly: When God is especially present in Affliction, and more present in an Affliction, than at another time; it argues that the Affliction doth come from Love. Now, whoever you are, that make this Objection, and fear the Affliction doth not come from Love; are you not able to say, Thus I find it indeed, though I have been much afflicted, yet through Grace I have b•en able to bless the Lord under my Affliction, and to say, The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away? &c. I love the Lord never the lesser for mine Affliction; and the Lord hath taught me much in this mine Affliction; I have gained more by my sickness, than by many a Sermon; yea, and he hath cut me in due time; for if I had not met with such an Affliction at such a time, I did not know what evil I should have fallen into: and this I must needs say; I have had more of Gods Presence in my Affliction, than ever I had before. Well then, be of good Comfort, though your Affliction