A77355:438
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.
But you will say unto me, Quest. 3 How does Satan come by this tempting power; this infesting, and molesting power?
Great is the power (as we have read already) that he hath as he is a Superior creature:1 but Satan hath yet another power, and that is the power of Conquest; for in Adams fall, Satan conquered the whole world, all man-kind, they were the Devils conquest upon the fall. When a man is Converted, and turned to God, then he comes out of the kingdom of Satan. But I say, upon the fall the Devil made a conquest upon all man-kind, and so by conquest he hath a great power. Satan hath heave from God the Father to tempt; I don't say, that he hath a special leave for every temptation, not a special commission, or permission, or leave for every temptation; but there is no great, or extraordinary temptation that does fall upon the children of God, but Satan hath a special leave from God the Father for it. There was a special temptation upon the Country, in his running their herd of swine into the Sea, and he had leave for that before he did it. There was a special temptation upon Ahab, in the lying spirit of the Prophets, and he had a special leave, and permission from God for that. There was a special temptation upon Job, and he had a leave for that. Here was a special temptation coming down upon the Disciples, and he had leave for that. Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired you. He was fain to ask leave, and he had leave for that. There is no extraordinary, or great temptation befalls any of the children of God, but Satan is fain to ask leave for it: he hath a leave for it, before he can come and tempt the soul.
Great is the power (as we have read already) that he hath as he is a Superiour creature:1 but Satan hath yet another power, and that is the power of Conquest; for in Adams fall, Satan conquered the whol world, all man-kind, they were the Devils conquest upon the fall. When a man is Converted, and trun'd to God, then he comes out of the kingdom of Satan. But I say, upon the fall the Devil made a conquest upon all man-kind, and so by conquest he hath a great power. Satan hath heave from God the Father to tempt; I don't say, that he hath a special leave for every temptation, not a special commission, or permission, or leave for every temptation; but there is no great, or extraordinary temptation that does fall upon the children of God, but Satan hath a special leave from God the Father for it. There was a special temptation upon the Country, in his running their herd of swine into the Sea, and he had leave for that before he did it. There was a special temptation upon Ahab, in the lying spirit of the Prophets, and he had a special leave, and permission from God for that. There was a special temptation upon Job, and he had a leave for that. Here was a special temptation coming down upon the Disciples, and he had leave for that. Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired you. He was fain to ask leave, and he had leave for that. There is no extraordinary, or great temptation befals any of the children of God, but Satan is fain to ask leave for it: he hath a leave for it, before he can come and tmept the soul.