A77358:209
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.
As for our Sufferings: I have read of some Martyrs in the Primitive times; that being in prison, and ready to suffer; divers came to comfort them, and called them, Blessed Martyrs. No, (say they) we are not worthy of the Name of Martyrs: by no means, they would not bear it, that they should call them Martyrs: Denied themselves in their Sufferings.
As for our Enjoyment: Ye know what the Apostle says, I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, which is best of all. 1Nevertheless, for your sakes (says he) &c. I am in a strait. And in another place, I knew a man (says he) that was taken up into the third heaven, whether in the body, 2or out of the body I cannot say. That was himself, but he would not own himself in it. And in another place he says,3 That he could wish himself accursed, for his brethren according to the flesh, that they might receive the Gospel. Oh! what a Self-Denying frame of heart is here! But where is this Self-Denying frame of heart now to be found amongst us: How does this I? this same Self, creep into all our Speeches, and into all our Doings? If it please the Lord to use a Minister in his service: what I-ing is there! I converted such a man; and I comforted such a man; and it was My Ministry that did it: Oh! what Self is here! what I-ing is here. So, if it please God to use a Physician, for the curing of the outward man; It was My Prescription, and it was My Receipt, and I did it. And if a Christian do but Pray, or perform any Duty; Thus and thus I said, and these words I spake; Did not I tell ye so? I told ye what would come to pass: Oh! what I-ing is there among people? how does Self, this I and Self creep into all our Speeches, and into all our Doings! But is this our Faith? and is this the fruit of our Faith? Every true Believer, that seeks Justification by faith alone, is an Humble, Self-Denying person; that denies himself in Spiritual things. Then, how few are there, that have true saving faith! Certainly, this saving, justifying faith, is another manner of thing than the world takes it to be.