A89915:1674
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.
7. To make thy standing more sure, acquaint thy self with such as fear God, and join thy self to them by all engagements of a profitable fellowship in the Gospel: there is a secret tie unto constancy in the communion of Saints; he is not like to walk long that walketh alone,1 especially if he might walk with good company; and this is a clear mark of a temporary faith in such as for many things go far, when men see they shun society with the godly.
7. To make thy standing more sure, acquaint thy selfe with such as feare God, and ioyne thy selfe to them by all engagements of a profitable fellowship in the Gospell: there is a secret tie vnto constancie in the communion of Saints; he is not like to walke long that walketh alone,1 especially if he might walke with good company; and this is a cleere marke of a temporarie faith in such as for many things goe farre, when men see they shunne societie with the godly.
8. It is an excellent help also, at first, to strive by all means to get the testimony of Jesus confirmed in usg: Christ gives testimony especially three ways: 1. By the promise of the word. 2. By the graces of his spirit. 3. By the witness of the spirit of adoption. Now if we did study the promises diligently, especially recording such as we had interest in upon our conversion to God, and did withal try our selves diligently and particularly concerning those saving graces, which are marks and signs of regeneration and salvation, and did also beg the witness of the spirit, waiting for those unspeakable and glorious joys of the holy Ghost, and with all thankfulness acknowledging Gods seal for our confirmation, when he is pleased so to set it to; me thinks this threefold cord could never be broken. Oh the heavy slumber and sluggishness of our natures: how wonderful rich is God in compassion? how ready is he to forgive and multiply pardon? how willingly doth he lift up the light of his countenance upon us? and yet men have not the heart answerably to wait upon him, or to be at the labour of this confirmation. How are many that seem somewhat unto many, how are they, I say, bewitched with security, so as they cannot be fired out of it, but live at a venture, and neither seek nor esteem the testimony of Jesus?