A77355:328
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.
Some again, they don't much mind their Calling to a condition, nor don't go in the strength of their Call: whereas you shall observe, that when Peter was called to stand before the Princes, and Rulers, he did boldly profess Christ, because his call did lead him thereunto: but when he was not Called into the High-Priests hall, then he falls before a tempting wench. Others again there are, that think their condition will secure them: Oh! says one if I were but in such and such a condition, then I should be safe and free from Satan's temptations; whereas, several conditions, have several temptations: and the Devil does use sometimes to tempt a man to alter his condition, so that by your very avoiding a temptation you fall into it. Take heed of this.
Some again, they don't much mind their Calling to a condition, nor don't go in the strength of their Call: whereas you shall observe, that when Peter was called to stand before the Princes, and Rulers, he did boldly professe Christ, because his call did lead him thereunto: but when he was not Called into the High-Priests hall, then he fals before a tempting wench. Others again there are, that think their condition wil secure them: Oh! saies one if I were but in such and such a condition, then I should be safe and free from Satans temptations; whereas, several conditions, have several temptations: and the Devil does use sometimes to tempt a man to alter his condition, so that by your very avoiding a temptation you fall into it. Take heed of this.
Thirdly, §3If temptation do arise, observe the temptation; and know that there is some suitable disposition of your own, wherein the Devil does lay that temptation, and labour to file, and pare off that disposition. Beloved, the Devil observes the situation of our hearts, and accordingly does plant his Ordnance: he seldom tempts, but he lays his temptation in our own disposition, something suitable unto the temptation. So when David had a mind to number the people, then the Devil stands up, and provokes him to number the people suitable to his own disposition. When our Lord and Saviour Christ was an hungry, then he comes and tempts him to turn stones into bread. When again, he cried out and said, My God my God why hast thou forsaken me? then says the Devils instruments, If thou be the Son of God, then come down and show thy self. He does usually lay his temptation in our own disposition that is suitable to the temptation. And therefore, I say, first observe the temptation, then know you have a disposition subservient thereunto, and