The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel College in CambridgeThe works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge

But yet further, §2As there is an encouragement for to come unto Christ: So this argument does also encourage us to go on in the good ways of Christ, notwithstanding all opposition that we meet withal: (I say) it does speak encouragement, to go on in the face of all opposition. For when Abraham had been at battle, then came Melchizedek the High-Priest to bless him: And when a poor soul goes out to battle for Christ, then comes our great Melchizedek, our High-Priest, and blesses that soul. The time of opposition, it is the time of Christs blessing. Therefore, why should I be discouraged, or beaten out of the way of Christ, by reason of any opposition, though it be never so great? Times of opposition are Christs blessing-time.

But yet further, §2As there is an incouragement for to come unto Christ: So this argument does also incourage us to go on in the good waies of Christ, notwithstanding all opposition that we meet withall: (I say) it does speak incouragement, to go on in the face of all opposition. For when Abraham had been at battel, then came Melchisedec the High-Priest to bless him: And when a poor soul goes out to battel for Christ, then comes our great Melchisedec, our High-Priest, and blesses that soul. The time of opposition, it is the time of Christs blessing. Therefore, why should I be dilcouraged, or beaten out of the way of Christ, by reason of any opposition, though it be never so great? Times of opposition are Christs blessing-time.

Again, §3This argument, does not only speak encouragement against all opposition: But it does also encourage us to go on in the good ways of God when we are called unto it, though we have but little strength, and weak parts. Though there be but little oil in the Cruse, though there be but little meal in the barrel, if Christ call to the work, he will bless a man in it: and when Christ blesses, he does multiply and increase a mans parts in the using of them. As when he commanded them to sit down, and eat, he did multiply, and increase the bread in their eating: So now, does Christ call me to any work or service, well then, though I am weak, though I have not oil enough, though I have not meal enough, though I have not strength enough; yet the Lord Christ will bless, and when he blesses, he does increase and multiply: and therefore, why should I not go on upon his