A89915:1672
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.
5. When men go about reformation, they should do it throughly, and be sure their hearts are renewed: for the old heart will not hold out long to endure the hardship of a reformed life: and if some sins have been favoured and spared, though they lie still for a time, yet afterwards they will revive and show themselves. We see in some, what a doe there is to leave some corruptions and faults; they are seven years many times before they can be persuaded to forgo them, resting in the reformation of other faults: whereas there is no assurance that they walk with a right foot in the Gospel, till they make conscience of a ready reformation of every known sin; and till they reform throughly they are like to fall away, whatsoever fair show of zeal and forwardness they make.
5. When men goe about reformation, they should doe it throughly, and be sure their hearts are renewed: for the old heart will not hold out long to endure the hardship of a reformed life: and if some sinnes haue beene fauoured and spared, though they lie still for a time, yet afterwards they will reuiue and shew themselues. Wee see in some, what a doe there is to leaue some corruptions and faults; they are seauen yeeres many times before they can bee perswaded to forgoe them, resting in the reformation of other faults: whereas there is no assurance that they walke with a right foot in the Gospell, till they make conscience of a ready reformation of euery knowne sinne; and till they reforme throughly they are like to fall away, whatsoeuer faire shew of zeale and forwardnesse they make.
6. In particular divers men are to be warned of passion and violent affections; if thou mean to prosper in thy persuasion of reformation, then speedily cease from anger, and leave off wrath, else there will be little hope that thou wilt not return to do evile: the promise of constant protection is with such as are sheepf, and are so far humbled, as they have left their wolvish qualities and passions.