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…

But though all power in heaven and earth, was given into his hands; it may be he did not know it. Yes, (says the text) Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God: He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself: After that, he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the Disciples feet. Oh! what Self-Denial is here! was there ever such Self-denial as here? And this, this does the Gospel hold forth unto ye, and only to be learned in the Gospel.

But though all power in heaven and earth, was given into his hands; it may be he did not know it. Yes, (saies the text) Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God: He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself: After that, he powred water into a basin, and began to wash the Disciples feet. Oh! what Self-Denial is here! was there ever such Self-denial as here? And this, this does the Gospel hold forth unto ye, and only to be learned in the Gospel.

Thirdly. The more I see my self a debtor unto Jesus Christ, for all my Gifts, and for all my Graces; the more Humble I shall be, and the more I shall deny my self in spiritual things. Ye know how it is with a man that owes for his Clothes: Possibly, a man may wear brave, and fine Clothes; but he owes for them at such a shop. While he is abroad, he swaggers, and is proud of his Clothes: but when he comes into the shop where he owes for them, and looks upon the book, and what he hath to pay, he strikes sail then, and is more modest, ashamed, and blushes. The Gospel is the great Shop, from whence we have all our gifts, and all our graces; and when I come into the Gospel, there I see how infinitely I am a debtor to Free-grace for all I have: and though I may be proud in spirit at another time, yet if I come into the Gospel, and see what an infinite debtor to Free-grace I am, for all that ever I wear upon the back of my soul; then I think, Oh! what cause have I to be humble! Shall I be proud? shall not I deny my self in Spiritual things? I say, this Gospel is the Shop of all our Gifts, and all our Graces.