A77355:495
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.
In the general, Answ. Satan does sometimes labour to weaken our faith, By drawing us from the means of faith. Take the wood away from the fire, it will soon lose it's heat, if not put out. And if a man be but drawn away from the means of faith; the means drawn from him, or he from the means by his own default, his faith will be soon weakened. This Satan labours to do sometimes.
Sometimes again, He raises up Mountains of Difficulties, and Discouragements in the way of a Christians obedience; and so labours to wound his faith. Throw water upon the fire it will soon be out.
But that I may speak the more fully unto this great Question, the answer whereof is of concernment every day amongst you.
Ye know there the Three acts of faith: There is the faith of Reliance; whereby a soul does rely upon God in Christ. There is the faith of Assurance; Whereby a man is persuaded of Gods love towards him, and his love to God, ⟨p. 271⟩and that he is the child of God, And there is the faith of Acknowledgement; whereby a man does own, and acknowledge the Cause, and Truth of Christ. I shall now spend some time, and show ye, How Satan strikes at all these faiths: and withal labour to show you, How we may bare off his blows, that so we may stand in the time of temptation, and our faith may not fail.