A89915:1626
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.
Quest. But what might some one say,1 How can faith then be discerned in the midst of so many doubts and fears? Answ. The truth of their faith and grace appears, 1. By their earnest and constant desire of Gods favour. 2. By the tenderness of the conscience in all their actions, and their daily fear of sinning. 3. By their frequent complaints of unbelief, and secret mourning for it. 4. By the lowliness of their carriage, even towards the meaner sort of those that truly fear God. 5. By their desire after the sincere milk of the word. Lastly, by their endeavour to walk inoffensively.
Quest. But what might some one say,1 How can faith then be discerned in the midst of so many doubts and feares? Answ. The truth of their faith and grace appeares, 1. By their earnest and constant desire of Gods fauoure. 2. By the tendernes of the conscience in all their actions, and their daily feare of sinning. 3. By their frequent complaints of vnbeleefe, and secret mourning for it. 4. By the lowlinesse of their cariage, even towards the meaner sort of those that truly feare God. 5. By their desire after the sincere milke of the word. Lastly, by their indeuour to walke inoffensiuely.
- 1How weak faith may be discerned.Hovv vveake faith may be discerned.
Quest. But seeing their faith is true,1 what is the cause of the unsettledness of it? Answ. They are unsettled, partly because they have yet but a small measure of saving knowledge: and partly because they discern not the consolations, offered to them: and partly for want of application of particular promises, that belong unto them: and sometimes it is for want of some of the means: and in some it is, because they see a greater power in some of their corruptions, then they think can stand with true grace.