A25466:975
Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /
Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume / by several ministers in and about London, preached in October, 1689.
London: printed by James Astwood for John Dunton, 1690
Sermon 12: The Case, or Question, which comes to be spoken unto this morning, is; Quest. How may P…
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.
Colossians IV. 5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without—
YE have heard the Question; And, (as I conceive) a due attendance unto the words read, may lead us far, toward the Resolution of it. And, for that reason, was this Text chosen. I design not, therefore, to frame a set Discourse upon it, but only to lay it, as a ground-work, to support that which I have to offer, toward the Answering of the Question propounded.
We have, before us then, a serious Exhortation, [Walk in wisdom, toward them that are without] And therein we may observe,
1. The Persons, to whom the Apostle doth direct it: And, they are private Christians. This is apparent; (1.) In that, here is no intimation given, that he intended any other. Not one of those Characters are set upon them, whereby the Pastors, or Guides of the Church use to be distinguished from the Community of Believers. (2.) The Duties, which he exhorts them unto, may undoubtedly, and ought to be performed by private Christians: As, To continue instant in prayer, and to watch in the same with thanksgiving, verse 2. To pray, in special, for the Apostle himself, that he might receive Divine Assistance, and be blessed with success, in the Ministry of the Gospel, verse 3, 4. To walk in wisdom, toward them that are without, redeeming the time, verse 5. That their speech be always with grace—ver. 6. With all which, the same persons are charged. Now, to walk in wisdom toward them that are without, is a Duty of a great latitude. And if it comprehend the promoting of their Conversion, and Salvation,