A lifting up for the downcast - Bridge - I - Sermon 1

Required reading
A lifting up for the downcast by William Bridge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Sermon 1 (The good man's peace).
   
My summary
Today we begin a set of sermons written by Bridge on Psalm 42:11, 'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psa 42:11)'

In this sermon Bridges firstly teaches us that there is an inward peace and quietude of soul in the people of God implied in the verse.  We also know this is true is because the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost are engaged for the peace of his people.

Secondly Bridges shows us that it is possible this peace may be interrupted.  This because
(i) there is a fundamental peace and there is an additional peace;
(ii) there is a great difference between peace, comfort and joy;
(iii) there is a peace which lies in opposition to what one hath been and a peace that is in opposition to what one whould be;
(iv) there is a secret dormant peace and there is an awakened and apparent peace.

Thirdly we learn how to attain the inward peace:
(i) study and consult much the death, sufferings and fulness of the satisfaction made by Jesus Christ;
(ii) go unto Christ himself for peace.

What grabbed me
Great teaching.  Particularly liked his encouragements to find peace in Jesus, particularly his death.

Also liked this quote about peace coming to those who do God's will: 'Labour to mortify your affections, and to get your will melted into the will of God : as the winds are to the sea, so are the affections to the soul of man : so long as the sea is hurried with the wind, it hath no rest or quiet; and what is the reason that our hearts are no more calmed and quieted, but because we have not yet resigned up our wills to the will of God ? It is our own will that troubles our peace ; get but your will mortified into the will of God, and you will say, Lord, I would fain have peace ; yet not my will, but thy will be done : I would have peace presently, yet I have no will but thine ; therefore, Lord, when thou wilt, and as thou wilt, not my will, but thine own will be done. Thus do, and you are at rest presently.'

Want peace?  Stop doing your will and do God's will.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon II (True peace may be interrupted).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.