A77355:613
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 suppose that a mans inward, and spiritual condition be overclouded, Quest. and God withdraw, and hide his face from a Christian: shall he? can he be thankful in this condition? is it his duty to be thankful now?
Yes, For though God do withdraw, Answ. though he do hide his face, and not shine upon a Christian: yet it may be light with him. Day may be day though the Sun do not shine forth in bright-beams. And it may be day light, it may be day upon a Christian soul, though there be never a beam shines. We are saved by faith, and not by feeling.
Again, Though Christ doth hide his face, though he doth withdraw his Comforting presence, he never withdraws his Supporting presence from a Christian; sometimes more of that, when least of the other. Christ deals by a Christian; as God dealt by Christ in his agony, and on the Cross: though God withdrew his Comforting presence, so as he cried out and said, My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me? 1Yet he had never more of Gods Supporting presence: And ⟨p. 312⟩so 'tis with a Christian. Though Christ may withdraw his Comforting presence, yet he never withdraws his Supporting presence from them.
Again, Though Christ doth hide his face, though he doth withdraw his Comforting presence, he never withdraws his Supporting presence from a Christian; sometimes more of that, when least of the other. Christ deals by a Christian; as God dealt by Christ in his agony, and on the Crosse: though God withdrew his Comforting presence, so as he cry'd out and said, My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me? 1