A77355:188
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel College in CambridgeThe works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel College in Cambridge; now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The first volume. Viz. I. The great Gospel-mystery of the saints comfort and holiness, opened and applied from Christs priestly office. II. Satan's power to tempt; and Christs love to, and care of his people under temptation. III. Thankfulness required in every condition.The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge; now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The first volume. Viz. I. The great Gospel-mysterie of the saints comfort and holinesse, opened and applyed from Christs priestly office. II. Satans power to tempt; and Christs love to, and care of his people under temptation. III. Thankfulnesse required in every condition.
London: printed for Peter Cole, 1649
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.
Well, Quest. But suppose that a Duty, or service be performed by one that is weak; weak in Grace, or weak in parts and Gifts: for this is my case, (will some say) I am one of very weak parts and Gifts, and I have little Memory, or Ability of speech; there are some men indeed, that are of great Parts, and Graces, and when they pray, I make no question but their prayers do find acceptance; but as for me, I am one of very mean Abilities; Oh! can there be any acceptance of such prayers as mine are through Jesus Christ? Will God answer such stammerings, lispings, half-words, broken imperfect petitions?
Well, Quest. But suppose that a Duty, or service be performed by one that is weak; weak in Grace, or weak in parts and Gifts: for this is my case, (will some say) I am one of very weak parts and Gifts, and I have little Memory, or Ability of speech; there are some men indeed, that are of great Parts, and Graces, and when they pray, I make no question but their prayers do find acceptance; but as for me, I am one of very mean Abilities; Oh! can there be any acceptance of such prayers as mine are through Jesus Christ? Will God answer such stammerings, lispings, halfe-words, broken imperfect petitions?
Yes, Answ. We know that the pair of Turtles were accepted in the time of the Law, by those that could offer no more. Surely much more now, will a poor Turtle be accepted in the time of the Gospel. & those that could but bring Goats-hair, ⟨p. 53⟩towards the making of the Tabernacle, they were welcome: and shall it not be so now, much more in the times of the Gospel? That which is little, in regard of Quantity, it may be great, in regard of Proportion; as the widows mite was. The Sun falls (we know) with a common influence upon all the Herbs, and Plants: but there is a several sweetness, and flowers that are of a several, and different growth: There is the Rose, and there is the Violet: The Violet is not so Tall as the Rose, the Violet lies on the ground; but though the Violet be not so tall as the Rose, the Violet hath its sweetness; and it may say to the Rose, Though I be not so tall, yet I have my sweetness as well as thou hast. So now, there is a common influence from Jesus Christ upon all the Saints, and they have their several sweetness; one as the Rose, and the other as the Violet: It may be, here lies a poor Christian upon the ground like the Violet, and is not so tall in Gifts and Parts as the other is; but yet notwithstanding, he hath his sweetness. Christ takes that lovingly that comes from love, whatever it be, though it be never so weak.