Puritan of the Week: William Bridge (1600-1670)

As I continue to read through Meet the Puritans I am struck by several thoughts. One, how few of these men I have heard anything about. The second with the first in mind, how much influence these men had on the whole of their society in their lifetime. It is a reminder to me in my own ministry, it is not important that my name be remembered but rather that the true gospel be preserved and preached for future generations.

William Bridge spent most of his life in England and was ordained a priest in the church of England. However, he did spend a brief time in Holland because he was excommunicated from the church of England for teaching the doctrine of limited atonement. During his time in Holland he co-pastored with several men including Jeremiah Burroughs, both of whom served on the Westminster Assembly of Divines.

Bridge was noted for being “an excellent preacher, able scholar, and prolific writer…He often studied for Seventeen hours a day, and yet did not become an ivory tower theologian.” His devotion and knowledge did allow him opportunities to be called on to preach before Parliament and be called on to consult them on church-related issues. I know the culture of England in the 1600’s and the U.S. in 2007 is a bit different, but it is an encouragement to see the influence of a godly man reaching outside of his study walls and even his church’s walls to the whole of society. Despite such influence, it was within the church that he was most used and loved.

His parishioners viewed him as a charitable and candid pastor whose ministry helped many people…the people flooded in such numbers to hear him that by 7 A.M. there is no room to be got.

Funny thing or not so funny thing, I only had one in my Sunday School class at 9:30 A.M. (starting time) last Sunday, the rest showed up at between 9:40-9:45 A.M.. I am no William Bridge.