A89915:1607
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.
But I think the Apostle commends the order of holy life unto which every Christian is bound. It is certain we can never soundly proceed in godliness without a care of a settled frame and order of living. We may not live at a venture in religion. Tis not enough to do good now or then, by flashes. There is an order in holy conversation. We must walk by ruled. There is an holy disposing of our ways requirede. It is required of us that we should ponder the paths of our feetf. We must order our affairs with discretiong. This is called the way of prudence or understanding. There is a guiding of our feet unto the ways of peacei. Tis a wonderful curse to be left to our security to walk in dark and uncertain ways: and contrariwise the vision of the salvation of God is promised to such as dispose of their ways arightk. And to be careful of an orderly course of life, is to keep our soulsl, and peace shall be unto such. But alas, men have corrupted their ways, and their understandings are darkened, and they are strangers from the life of God: neither will men cease from their rebellious ways. The civillest men walk after the way of their own hearts, yea the most men hate those that are right in their ways, and are like Dan, that would bite the heels of such as endeavour to walk in sincerity. Some hypocrites there are that will know the way of the Lord, and ask of him the ordinance of justice, as if they would be careful to please God; but alas they were never washed from their old sins, and they quickly return with the dog to their vomit, and corrupt their ways, being of purpose set on by the Devil, to make a clamorous profession, that so their fall might more dishonour the glory of an exact and circumspect conversation. Alas, what should I say? There is wonderful want of order in the very lives of Gods children. Scarce the tithe of professors of sincerity of the Gospel, that have gathered a catalogue of holy duties, and observed out of the word that frame and order of settled holy conversation.