B11881:18
The signs of the wicked man Together with directions that show how the several…The signes of the wicked man Together with directions that shew how the seuerall…
The signs of the wicked man Together with directions that show how the several gifts and graces of Gods spirit may be attained. Needful for such as want those graces, and for such as desire to increase in them. By N. Bifield, preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.The signes of the wicked man Together with directions that shew how the seuerall gifts and graces of Gods spirit may be attained. Needfull for such as want those graces, and for such as desire to increase in them. By N. Bifield, preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by George Purslow for Ralph Rounthwaite, 1619London: printed by George Purslovv for Ralph Rounthvvaite, 1619
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The Preface to the Christian and careful READER.
The Preface to the Christian and carefull READER.
How necessary it is for all sorts of men in the visible Church to try their estates whether they be true Christians or no, may appear by the express charge given in the Scriptures ⟨p. 2⟩concerning it. The Apostle Paul chargeth men to examine themselves whether they be in the faith, and whether Christ Jesus be in them, unless they be reprobates, 2. Cor. 13. 5. And the Apostle Peter would have all Christians, diligent to make their Calling and Election sure, 2. Pet. 1. 10. And the like commandment lay upon men in the Church of the Jews in the old Testament, as may appear by that exhortation, Lam. 3. 40. Let us search and try our ways, and turn again unto the Lord: and the Prophet David in this ⟨p. 3⟩case, chargeth men to commune with their own hearts, Psal. 4. 4. How can men draw near unto God in the full assurance of faith, if they will not be at the pains to examine themselves? Heb. 10. 22. Or how shall we ever know that we are of God, or attain unto any confidence of faith, as we ought to do? 1. Joh. 5. 19. Ephes. 3. 12.
HOw necessary it is for al sorts of men in the visible Church to try their estates whether they bee true Christians or no, may appeare by the expresse charge giuen in the Scriptures