A77358:161
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, now preacher…The vvorks of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, now preacher…
The works of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The third volume. [sic] Viz. 1. The spiritual life, and in-being of Christ in all believers. 2. The woman of Canaan.The vvorks of William Bridge, sometime fellow of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, now preacher of the Word of God at Yarmouth. The third volumn. [sic] Viz. 1. The spiritual life, and in-being of Christ in all believers. 2. The woman of Canaan.
London: printed by 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.
Secondly, Study much the Transactions of things between God the Father and Jesus Christ. And then you will find, That Jesus Christ had satisfied God the Father, before ever you came into the world: and therefore your souls when you think of this will say, How therefore can my Work, or my Duty, any way bring in Satisfaction, or Acceptance with God the Father. Study (I say) the Transactions between God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Thirdly, Acquaint your soul much, with the difference between the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace. In the Covenant of Works, a mans Work is first accepted, and then his Person: But in the Covenant of Grace, a mans Person is first accepted, and then his Work. And when you understand this, then you will say, I, if this be true, That a mans Person is first accepted, and then his Work, How can my Work any way fetch me in acceptance with God the Father? O my soul, for ever stand clear in this great matter of my Acceptance in my Duties.
Fourthly, when ever your Duties, your Works, and your Graces, are Highest, then, and then especially, use thy soul to be beyond them; and say thus: Though now (I bless the Lord) my heart is thus and thus Enlarged, yet I do not count upon my Acceptance, by reason of this Enlargement. Though (I bless the Lord) I have now Prayer, that before had none: yet I do not count my Acceptance with God the Father by this Prayer. When (I say) thy Duty is Highest, use thy soul to be beyond it.
Fourthly, when ever your Duties, your Works, and your Graces, are Highest, then, and then especially, use thy soul to be beyond them; and say thus: Though now (I blesse the Lord) my heart is thus and thus Inlarged, yet I do not count upon my Acceptance, by reason of this Inlargment. Though (I blesse the Lord) I have now Prayer, that before had none: yet I do not count my Acceptance with God the Father by this Prayer. When (I say) thy Duty is Highest, use thy soul to be beyond it.