A77355:617
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.
Lastly, What a man would not lose for all the world, that, you will say, is worthy of Praise, and Thankfulness. Now take a gracious soul, a godly man when he is most deserted, forsaken, left, as it were; and he says, now Mercy is gone, now Christ is gone: Ask him but this Question: If Christ be gone, as you say, why don't you renounce Christ, and renounce all his ways? He will tell you, Oh! no, I dare not renounce him for all the world. But if he be quite gone, Why don't you turn Drunkard? why don't you turn Swearer? and why don't you cast off all duties? Oh! no, that I dare not: I have yet something left, that I would not lose for all the world. Is there not then matter of Praise, and Thanksgiving in this condition? Surely there is, even in this condition also.
Lastly, What a man would not lose for all the world, that, you will say, is worthy of Praise, and Thankfulness. Now take a gracious soul, a godly man when he is most deserted, forsaken, left, as it were; and he saies, now Mercy is gone, now Christ is gone: Ask him but this Question: If Christ be gone, as you say, why don't you renounce Christ, and renounce all his waies? He will tell you, Oh! no, I dare not renounce him for all the world. But if he be quite gone, Why don't you turn Drunkard? why don't you turn Swearer? and why don't you cast off all duties? Oh! no, that I dare not: I have yet something left, that I would not lose for all the world. Is there not then matter of Praise, and Thanksgiving in this condition? Surely there is, even in this condition also.
But you will say: Quest. Suppose that a man be oppressed with sad Temptations, black and dark Temptations; God does not only withdraw, but Satan draws near, heavy, and dreadful Temptations press in upon him: is it the will of God the Father, that he should be Thankful in this condition also?
But you will say: Quest. Suppose that a man be oppressed with sad Temptations, black and dark Temptations; God does not only withdraw, but Satan draws neer, heavy, and dreadful Temptations presse in upon him: is it the will of God the Father, that he should be Thankful in this condition also?