A89915:1209
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is…An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is…
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is methodically analysed, and the sense of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and modern is explained: but also, by doctrine and use, the intent of the holy Ghost is in every place more fully unfolded and urged. ... Being, the substance of near seven years week-days sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the city of Chester.An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is methodically analysed, and the sence of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and moderne is explayned: but also, by doctrine and vse, the intent of the holy Ghost is in euery place more fully vnfolded and vrged. ... Being, the substance of neare seuen yeeres weeke-dayes sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the citie of Chester.
London: printed by Edward for Nathaniel Butter, 1617
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.
For the second: If thou wouldest continue,1 thou must observe eight rules. First, thou must get a continuing faith: get thee an infallible assurance of God favour, arising from the wise Application of Gods promises, and the sure witness of Gods spiriti. Secondly, thou must at first be throughly cleansed of all thy filthiness; making conscience to repent of all sin, and have respect to all Gods Commandments. And thou must be sure thou get a new heart: for the old heart is deceitful, and will not hold out in any thing that is goodk. Thirdly, thou must continue to use the means of preservation▪ thou must still hear, pray, read, confer, meditate, and receive the Sacraments; for the spiritual life is preserved by means, as well as the natural. Fourthly, thou must join thy self to such as fear God, in the societies and fellowship of the Gospel. The affections, and desires of many, are blasted, and soon vanish, like a morning cloud, for want of communion with such as are able to direct, comfort, admonish, or encourage theml. Fifthly, thou must see to it, that thou get knowledge, as well as affectionm; and affection as well as knowledge. Sixthly, thou must so receive the truth of •he doctrine of Christ, as thou be also ready and willing, to confess it, and profess it, amidst the different opinions, and humours of meno. Seventhly, Thou must be a sheep; meek, tractable, profitable, sociable, innocent: for boisterous, conceited, perverse, unteachable natures will never hold longp.
For the second: If thou wouldest continue,1