A77355:530
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.
Thirdly, If temptation come, Answ. 3 Look much unto the infirmities of Jesus Christ: not the sinful infirmities, for so he had none, but he had many other infirmities. And ye know what the Spouse in the time of Desertion says, in the book of the Canticles, His left hand is under my head, and with his right hand he does embrace me. The right hand, is a hand of power; and the left hand, is a hand of weakness: and in the time of Desertion, and Temptation, it's a great relief to a poor soul, to consider the infirmities of Jesus Christ, his left hand is under our head then. As when a man is enlarged in heart, 'tis good to consider of Christs Example, that so he may be humbled under his enlargement: So when a man is in Desertion, or Temptation, it's good for to think of Christs Infirmities, that so he may not be overwhelmed, or cast down too much.
Thirdly, If temptaion come, Answ. 3 Look much unto the infirmities of Jesus Christ: not the sinful infirmities, for so he had none, but he had many other infirmities. And ye know what the Spouse in the time of Desertion saies, in the book of the Canticles, His left hand is under my head, and with his right hand he does imbrace me. The right hand, is a hand of power; and the left hand, is a hand of weaknesse: and in the time of Desertion, and Temptation, it's a great relief to a poor soul, to consider the infirmities of Jesus Christ, his left hand is under our head then. As when a man is inlarged in heart, 'tis good to consider of Christs Example, that so he may be humbled under his inlargement: So when a man is in Desertion, or Temptation, it's good for to think of Christs Infirmities, that so he may not be overwhelmed, or cast down too much.
Fourthly, If temptation do come, be sure of this, Answ. 4 That ye don't conclude it is no temptation. Satan tempts, and then he tempts a man to think it is no temptation. So long as a poor soul thinks it is but a temptation, his heart is borne up with comfort, and he says, It is but a temptation, and it will be over shortly, and the Lord Jesus Christ will pity me, for 'tis but a temptation, and so his heart is borne up with comfort, waiting upon God: But if the Devil can get a man so far, as to make him think it is no temptation, but worse than a temptation; then his heart fails, and his faith fails. Therefore, I beseech ye, If a temptation come, don't conclude it is no temptation, but say, Oh! it may be 'tis a temptation, and therefore I will wait on God.