A77357:186
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel College in CambridgeThe vvorks of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel College in Cambridge: now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The second volume. [sic] Viz. 1. Grace for grace; or, The overflowing of Christs fullness received by all saints. II. The spiritual actings of faith through natural impossibilities. III. Evangelical repentance.The vvorks of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge: now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The second volumn. [sic] Viz. 1. Grace for grace; or, The overflowing of Christs fulness received by all saints. II. The spiritual actings of faith through natural impossibilities. III. Evangelical repentance.
London: printed by Peter Cole, 1649
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Fifthly. §5As a man is unable to every action: So also, he is Naturally unable to prepare himself unto what is good, spiritually good. (Good people mark it) I say, a man is also unable to Prepare himself unto what is good. Not only unable to do good; but unable to Prepare himself unto what is good, Spiritually good: not only unable to Overcome the enemy, but unable to draw out his forces: not only unable to Receive ⟨p. 53⟩the enemies charge; but he is unable to draw out his forces. Ho, ho, every one that thirsteth, 1come and buy wine and milk without money, or monies worth. If a man could prepare, here is money, here is monies worth: As one observes well, Then a man might say, The first beginning of my salvation was of my self: Yea, in truth a man may say, The greatest part is from my self: for 'tis more to begin, and more to prepare; so the the greatest part of our salvation should be from our selves. Ye know what the Apostle says, (and I pray consider it) in Ephe. 2.1. And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Even you (at the 5. v.) even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ; by Grace ye are saved. (Mark) Twice the Apostle brings in that sentence: be brings it in again at the 8. verse: For by Grace ye are saved: why twice? Not only to show that the progress of a Christian is by Grace, but the very first beginning, and setting out, 'tis all of grace: By Grace ye are saved. 'Tis a good speech of Austin, Grace is no way Grace, unless it be every way free. Now can a poor dead man prepare himself unto life? Did Lazarus prepare himself to life? Could he do it? Could Lazarus do it? There is (saith the Philosopher) a proportion always between the Action, and the term of the Action. Now what proportion is there between Nature and Grace? No man (says our Saviour) comes unto the Son, 2but whom the Father draws, thus says our Saviour. Oh! but (says Pelagius) I can go unto Jesus Christ by my own preparation, I can prepare, I can draw my self unto Jesus Christ, or I can draw Christ to me. Beloved! In natural Actions, there needs always preparations to the introducing of forms: because in the way of Generation of Nature, things are wrought by degrees. As for example now: If a great log lie in the mud; before you can carry it away, you must loosen it from the mud: but the log doth not loosen it self: