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

But while I am upon this, 'Tis enough for the Reliance of the Soul upon God, A may be of Mercy: I say, a may be of Mercy, is enough for the act of Reliance. And this Doctrine always hold forth this truth unto you, that there is a may be; because, when God intends to fulfil his promise, by giving any special blessing, or Mercy to the children of Abraham; he does first of all put the sentence of death upon the blessing, and upon all the means that do lead unto it. ⟨p. 170⟩Shall we not then wait upon him? keep silence in the day of trouble.

But while I am upon this, 'Tis enough for the Reliance of the Soule upon God, A may be of Mercy: I say, a may be of Mercy, is enough for the act of Reliance. And this Doctrine alwayes hold forth this truth unto you, that there is a may be; because, when God intends to fulfill his promise, by giving any speciall blessing, or Mercy to the children of Abraham; he does first of all put the sentence of death upon the blessing, and upon all the means that do lead unto it. ⟨p. 170⟩Shall we not then waite upon him? keep silence in the day of trouble.

I'll give you two or three encouragements hereunto, and so I will wind up all.

I'le give you two or three incouragements hereunto, and so I will winde up all.

Beloved, §1The sentence of death (you say) is upon the Mercy, or the blessing that you do much desire. If ever the Mercy rise, and the grave-clothes be taken off; it shall be the choicest Mercy that ever you had in all your lives. Abraham had divers sons, but the jewel was Isaac, the dead Mercy: Hannah had divers children, but who like Samuel? the found Mercy? Mercy once lost, and then found, is a choice Mercy, it is the greatest Mercy. First I say, If ever you come to find the Mercy you have lost; if ever that rise which the sentence of death is put upon, it shall be the greatest Mercy. Job had a good Estate: but when all was plundered, a sentence of death came upon all: when he came to his comforts, and his Estate again, then it was done. Some have observed concerning Joseph, that according to the several links of his Affliction, were the pearls in the crown of his Mercy: There's observed some eight or nine. I shall not have time to enlarge my self in them; only thus: Joseph he is sold by his Brethren into Egypt; Answerable unto that, Josephs Brethren come down to Egypt, and worship before him. Joseph is accused for wronging his Mistress, sad reproaches cast upon him; Answerable to that, a Herald proclaims before him: This is the man whom the King honours. Joseph is thrown into prison, the irons enter into his soul; Answerable to that, a chain of gold is hung about his neck. Joseph a poor stranger, brought as low, as ever man was; Answerable to that, he is made next in the Kingdom to Pharaoh. Beloved, if the dead Mercy rise: as your bodies when they rise, they rise in glory: So when the Mercy rises,