A77355:452
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 now, take a temptation in the Materiality of it, for the Matter of it, which is a solicitation to evil; and so wicked men are tempted by Satan; yea, they are more tempted than the godly are; that is, they are more solicited unto evil by Satan; and the same temptation that godly men are tempted with, wicked men are tempted with: and the same temptation that wicked men are tempted with, a godly man is tempted with. As there is no Duty which a godly man does perform, but a wicked man may do it, ⟨p. 254⟩for the Act, and yet remain wicked: So there is no sin, which a wicked man falls into, but a godly man may be tempted to it and yet remain godly.
But now, take a temptation in the Materiality of it, for the Matter of it, which is a solicitation to evil; and so wicked men are tempted by Satan; yea, they are more tempted than the godly are; that is, they are more solicited unto evil by Satan; and the same temptation that godly men are tempted with, wicked men are tempted with: and the same temptation that wicked men are tempted with, a godly man is tempted with. As there is no Duty which a godly man does performe, but a wicked man may do it, ⟨p. 254⟩for the Act, and yet remain wicked: So there is no sin, which a wicked man fals into, but a godly man may be tempted to it and yet remain godly.
But you will say unto me, Object. This evil that is upon my heart, is not the temptation of Satan, but indeed it is the corruption of mine own heart, and therefore I fear my condition. Indeed, if I were sure that it were only the temptation of Satan, I should never question Gods love, nor mine own condition because of it; but, Oh! I am afraid it is not a temptation of Satan, but the corruption of mine own heart, and therefore I fear all is not right with me.