A77355:603
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.
So then, It is our duty, and the will of God our Father that we should not only be thankful, but we should be thankful in every thing.
For, Reas. 1 there is always excellency enough in God, and Christ to entertain your Thankfulness, to draw out your Thankfulness, and Praises. Indeed, there is a formal, or notional difference, between Praising God, and giving thanks to God: Praises respect the excellencies of God himself: Thankfulness respect the benefits we receive from God. I praise God, when I honour him for the Excellency that is in him: I am thankful to God, when I bless him for those benefits I receive from him. But now in Scripture, these are put one for the other ordinarily: and whatsoever our condition be, whether high, or low; rich, or poor; full, or empty: there is enough Excellency in Christ for to draw out our Praises; and therefore in every thing we are to be Thankful.
For, Reas. 1 there is alwaies excellency enough in God, and Christ to entertain your Thankfulnesse, to draw out your Thankfulnesse, and Praises. Indeed, there is a formal, or notional difference, between Praising God, and giving thanks to God: Praises respect the excellencies of God himself: Thankfulness respect the benefits we receive from God. I praise God, when I honour him for the Excellency that is in him: I am thankful to God, when I blesse him for those benefits I receive from him. But now in Scripture, these are put one for the other ordinarily: and whatsoever our condition be, whether high, or low; rich, or poor; full, or empty: there is enough Excellency in Christ for to draw out our Praises; and therefore in every thing we are to be Thankful.
There is no condition so sad, Reas. 2 but somewhat is good that is mingled with it. No darkness so dark, but-some light withal. No misery so miserable but some mercy withal. Heaven is all Mercy: and Hell is all Misery: but this life