A89915:1211
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.
The sum of all in; that, if we get a justifying faith, and be once assured of Gods favour; if we at first make a through reformation; if we daily stick to, and wait upon the means; if we converse with Gods children; if we have wise affections, that are warmed with piety, and showed with discretion; if we make a sound profession of the sincerity of the truth; if we be meek, and teachable, and follow the truth without coldness, or contention, we shall never fall, but continue as Mount Zion, that cannot be moved. And out of all this we may discern the cause of the back-sliding of many, either they were deceived by a temporary faith; or neglected the constant use of Gods ordinances, or were slightly in mortification; or they forsook the fellowship of the Saints; or they were tossed with contrary doctrine; or they were people of unruly affections; or were seduced by secret lusts.
The summe of all in; that, if we get a iustifying faith, and be once assured of Gods fauour; if wee at first make a through reformation; if wee daily sticke to, and wait vpon the meanes; if wee conuerse with Gods children; if we haue wise affections, that are warmed with pietie, and shewed with discretion; if wee make a sound profession of the sinceritie of the truth; if we be meeke, and teachable, and follow the truth without coldnesse, or contention, wee shall neuer fall, but continue as Mount Sion, that cannot bee moued. And out of all this wee may discerne the cause of the backe-sliding of many, either they were deceiued by a temporary faith; or neglected the constant vse of Gods ordinances, or were sleighthie in mortification; or they forsooke the fellowship of the Saints; or they were tost with contrary doctrine; or they were people of vnruly affections; or were seduced by secret lusts.
1For the third: though it be a hard work to continue, by reason of the infirmities within us, and the impediments from without us; yet a Christian hath great helps to further him in perseverance: he hath helps, first, from the Saints, and is furthered by their example, by their exhortations, and by their prayersr