A77355:229
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.
And man communicates the nature of man unto his child, because he hath the nature of man himself. So our Lord Christ, when he Blesses, he communicates according unto what he hath himself; and his blessings especially consisting in spiritual things, so he doth bless. Indeed, as in the times of the Old Testament there were Spiritual blessings, that were mixed with Temporal, by virtue of the Covenant that was made with Abraham: So now, Outward blessings are thrown in as an overplus: but yet notwithstanding, though they be not spiritual in their nature, they are spiritual in their end; and ⟨p. 79⟩so it is true to say, That the blessing of the Gospel, and of Christ is a spiritual blessing.
And man communicates the nature of man unto his child, because he hath the nature of man himself. So our Lord Christ, when he Blesses, he communicates according unto what he hath himself; and his blessings especially consisting in spiritual things, so he doth blesse. Indeed, as in the times of the Old Testament there were Spiritual blessings, that were mixt with Temporal, by vertue of the Covenant that was made with Abraham: So now, Outward blessings are thrown in as an overplus: but yet notwithstanding, though they be not spiritual in their nature, they are spiritual in their end; and ⟨p. 79⟩so it is true to say, That the blessing of the Gospel, and of Christ is a spiritual blessing.
But more particularly, if yet ask me wherein this consisteth? I shall name but Two things:
First, This Blessing of the Gospel, or of Christ, §1it consists in a supernatural, and spiritual enjoyment of God in Christ, the love and favour of God in Christ. When the Priests blest in the time of the old Testament, in that 6. of Numbers, they said, The Lord cause his face for to shine upon you. The Lord make his face for to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee: the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. Verse, 24, 25, 26. Which the Spostle Paul expounding, in the 2 Cor. the 13. Chapter and the 14. verse, renders it thus: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The Lord bless thee, the Lord cause his face to shine upon you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you: Three times, the Lord, the Lord, the Lord; noting the Trinity; which the Apostle here explains by the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit. Blessed are the pure in heart: