by Lewis Bayly
Lightly Modernized
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Original
In ePub, .mobi & pdf formats
Lewis Bayly’s The Practice of Piety is a timeless devotional work that serves as a guide for Christians seeking to cultivate a life devoted to God. Written in the early 17th century, this book is deeply rooted in Puritan theology, offering both doctrinal instruction and practical exhortation for personal holiness. Bayly systematically lays out the fundamental truths of the Christian faith, emphasizing the knowledge of God, the misery of man apart from Christ, and the necessity of living in obedience to God's commands. He masterfully combines theological precision with warm pastoral counsel, making the work both intellectually stimulating and spiritually edifying.
One of the book’s great strengths is its structured approach to the Christian life. Bayly begins by exploring the essence and attributes of God, leading the reader to meditate on divine majesty and holiness. He then presents a sobering reflection on the wretched state of man without grace, illustrating the desperate need for reconciliation with God through Christ. The latter sections of the book are immensely practical, providing guidance on daily devotions, prayer, meditation, fasting, sabbath-keeping, and preparation for death. His detailed instructions on how to begin and end each day with piety offer a concrete plan for walking closely with God. Furthermore, his meditations on death serve as a solemn reminder of the brevity of life and the urgency of repentance.
Perhaps most compelling is the way Bayly challenges believers to pursue true godliness, distinguishing between mere outward religion and heartfelt piety. He warns against presumption, hypocrisy, and formalism, insisting that true faith manifests in a life transformed by grace. His style is deeply reflective, often employing rich biblical imagery and piercing questions to lead the reader to examine their soul. Those who read The Practice of Piety will find themselves confronted with the weight of eternity and drawn toward earnest communion with God.
This edition of The Practice of Piety has been lightly modernized for accessibility, ensuring that Bayly’s powerful exhortations remain clear to today’s readers. However, the theology, devotional warmth, and pastoral urgency of the original work remain intact. Bayly's writing is as relevant now as it was in his own time, providing Christians with a roadmap for cultivating a deeper relationship with God in an age when true piety is often neglected.
Lewis Bayly (c. 1575–1631) was a Welsh bishop of the Church of England, best known for his commitment to practical godliness and biblical preaching. He served as Bishop of Bangor and was renowned for his evangelical zeal. The Practice of Piety became one of the most influential devotional books of its time, shaping the spiritual lives of countless believers, including the Puritans and early American colonists. His work continues to inspire Christians who desire to live lives fully devoted to God.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
A Plain Description of the Essence and Attibutes of God
Meditations on the miserable state of those not reconciled to God in Christ
Meditations of the blessed state of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
Meditations on the Hinderances Which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety
How a Private Man Must Begin the Morning with Piety
How to Read the Scriptures Once Every Year with Profit
A Prayer for the Morning.
Meditations Directing a Christian How He May Walk All the Day With God, Like Enoch
Meditations for the Evening
Meditations for Household Piety
The Practice of Piety at Meals, and the Manner of Eating
The Practice of Piety at Evening.
The True Manner of Keeping Holy The Lord's Day
Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting
Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting
The Practice of Piety in Sickness and Death
Meditations for One that is Likely to Die
Consolations Against the Fear of Death
A Divine Colloquy between the Soul and her Saviour upon the effectual Merits of his dolorous Passion.