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 yet notwithstanding, let me tell ye this: Every man is not alive to the World, or a worldly man; that does use the things of the world, or that is active, and cheerful in the way of his Calling: For the things of the world, they are the materials of our grace, that our grace works upon while we are here below.

But yet notwithstanding, let me tell ye this: Every man is not alive to the World, or a worldly man; that does use the things of the world, or that is active, and chearfull in the way of his Calling: For the things of the world, they are the materials of our grace, that our grace workes upon while we are here below.

Yea, let me tell you further, (and I pray observe it warily) Possibly a man may see a greater beauty in the things of the world, after conversion, than ever he saw before. As now, in the case of the Law: while a man is in the state of nature, then he is under the Law; but when a man is converted and drawn to Christ, then he is free from the Law; and then when he is freed from the Law; he sees a greater excellency in the Law, then ever he saw before conversion; for then says he; Now I see, that the Commandments is holy, just, and good: indeed, as to the point of justification, he sees a greater emptiness in the Law than ever he did before; but as to the point of Rule of life, he sees a greater beauty in the law than ever he did before. So Paul did, as ye read in the 7. of the Romans. So in this case: though as to the point of Satisfaction, a man after he is converted sees less in the creature than ever he did before; yet as to the point of Christs purchases, looking upon the creature as the purchase of Jesus Christ, Christ hath purchased these for me; he sees a greater beauty in them now than ever before: for (says he) Christ hath purchased these, and all these are mine in Christ, & Christ hath paid for me; Christ is mine, and I am Christs, and these are mine, and all is Christs: Though as to the matter of Satisfaction, his soul cannot be satisfied, he sees less in the world than ever he did before; yet as to the matter of Christs purchase, a man after his conversion may see a greater beauty in the things of the world than ever he did before.