A89915:1619
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.
14. If we would be established in believing, 1. we must be much in the meditation of the promises of God. 2. we must be much in prayer, and the acknowledgement of secret sins, observing the comforts of Gods presence, and keeping a record of the wonders of his presence, and striving to retain constantly ⟨p. 19⟩the assurance, we sometimes feel in prayer. 3. we must cast about, how to be more profitable in well doing: An orderly life, especially fruitfulness in our places, doth marvellously though secretly, establish and settle a mans heart in faith 1. Cor. 15.58. whereas it is almost impossible, that a barren life should have much steadfastness, of assurance; again, would we yet further know, how it comes to pass, that some men get such a steadfastness above many others? Observe then and you shall find, that when they find the pearls of grace, and the means, they will sell all to buy them: Now the love to the means, is like death or Jealousy; that cannot be resisted, there is in them a constant coveting of the best things, with a true hunger and thirst after them, and if they offend God they cannot be quiet, till they return and confess their sin, and get favour: they will not live days and weeks in a voluntary neglect of communion with God, and therefore reap this unmoveablenesse, as the fruit of their daily conversing with God.
14. If we would be established in beleeuing, 1. we must be much in the meditation of the promises of God. 2. we must be much in prayer, and the acknowledgment of secret sinnes, obseruing the comforts of Gods presence, and keeping a record of the wonders of his presence, and striuing to retaine constantly ⟨p. 19⟩the assurance, we sometimes feele in prayer. 3. wee must cast about, how to be more profitable in well doing: An orderly life, especially fruitfullnesse in our places, doth maruellously though secretly, establish and settle a mans heart in faith 1. Cor. 15.58. whereas it is almost impossible, that a barren life should haue much stedfastnes, of assurance; againe, would wee yet further know, how it comes to passe, that some men get such a stedfastnesse aboue many others? Obserue then and you shall finde, that when they finde the pearles of grace, and the meanes, they will sell all to buy them: Now the loue to the meanes, is like death or Ielousie; that cannot be resisted, there is in them a constant coueting of the best things, with a true hunger and thirst after them, and if they offend God they cannot be quiet, till they returne and confesse their sinne, and get fauour: they will not liue dayes and weekes in a voluntarie neglect of communion with God, and therefore reape this unmoueablenesse, as the fruit of their daily conuersing with God.