The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel College in CambridgeThe works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge

Secondly, §2He does take up his Cross: A true Disciple takes up his cross. 'Tis not said, He does bear his cross with patience; there is a great deal of difference between these; Bearing of a mans cross with patience when it is laid upon him, and taking up his cross when it is laid before him. Properly a man is said to take up his cross, when there is Sin laid on one side; and there is a Cross, and an Affliction laid on the other side: Now, either you must commit this Sin; or else you must endure this Cross, or Affliction: Nay then, (says a true Disciple) rather than I will commit that sin, I will endure this affliction; and so he takes up his cross.

Secondly, §2He does take up his Cross: A true Disciple takes up his crosse. 'Tis not said, He does bear his crosse with patience; there is a great deal of difference between these; Bearing of a mans cross with patience when it is laid upon him, and taking up his crosse when it is laid before him. Properly a man is said to take up his crosse, when there is Sin laid on one side; and there is a Crosse, and an Affliction laid on the other side: Now, either you must commit this Sin; or else you must endure this Crosse, or Affliction: Nay then, (saies a true Disciple) rather than I will commit that sin, I will endure this affliciton; and so he takes up his cross.

Thirdly. §3He does also Follow Christ. Some there are, that having suffered for the Name, and Cause of Christ; they then grow Proud of their sufferings, and they fall into foul ⟨p. 297⟩miscarriages: But a true Disciple of Christ, when he hath taken up the cross, he follows Christ: now properly a man is said to follow Christ, when he does do those things at Christs command, wherein Christ does differ from others. As now, a man is said to follow Luther, when he does follow him in those things wherein he differs from Calvin: and a man follows Calvin, when he does follow him in those things wherein he differs from Luther. So a man is said to follow Christ, when he follows him in those things wherein he differs from others. There are some things wherein Christ and Nature do agree: Nature says, That a man must do by another, as he would be dealt by himself; Herein Christ and nature agree. But Christ says, A new commandment give I unto ye, That ye love one another, as I have loved you: Here Christ differs from Nature. Nature teaches a man, That there is a God, and that God is to be Prayed unto; and that a man is to pray for his friends: But now Christ says, Pray for your Enemies. I say, a man is properly said for to follow Christ, when he follows him in that wherein Christ differs from others. Now whosoever thou art that makes this Objection, That thou art not a Disciple of Jesus Christ, and therefore he does not pray for thee in the time of thy temptation; I appeal to ye: Are ye not willing to take up your cross? rather to endure that affliction, than commit this sin? Do ye not set your self to deny your self, your Pleasures, Recreations, Relations, and all for Christ? And do ye not desire to follow Jesus Christ in those things wherein he does differ from Anti-Christ, and from Nature, and from Moses? then surely, thou art a Disciple of Jesus Christ.