GREAT THINGS

That day you were converted and brought home to God, you had a special right and title given you to all the creatures; you may look up to heaven and see the stars, and say, these are my Father’s candles; and when you hear the thunder, you may say, this is my Father’s voice; and when you see the sea, you may say, this is my Father’s fish-pond; and when you see the godly men of the world, you may say, these are my Father’s children; and when you see wicked men, you may say, these are my Father’s dish-cloths to make his children clean; and when you consider of the devils, you may say, these are my Father’s hangmen, his executioners; and when you see the gold, and riches, and wealth of the world, you may say, this is my Father’s dung-hill. I say, that day you were converted and brought home to God, God did great things for you in that moment. Now the more that you consider what great things God has done for you, the more your heart is engaged to God; and the more your heart is engaged, the more willing and able you will be to suffer.

Wm. Bridge 1600-1670.