A17389:156
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 vvriters, 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 seauen yeeres vveeke-dayes sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the citie of Chester.
London: printed by T. Snodham. and Edward Griffin for Nathaniel Butter, 1615
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.
By the will of God.] That is, by his approbation, direction, protection, but especially by his singular vocation. The Apostle then holds his calling from God, and therefore believes Gods protection and blessing because God had called him to his function. And as the Apostle, so every member of the Church holds his particular standing and function from God; he is ranked into his order by the special providence and calling of God.
By the will of God.] That is, by his approbation, direction, protection, but especially by his singular vocation. The Apostle then holds his calling from God, and therefore beleeues Gods protection and blessing because God had called him to his function. And as the Apostle, so euery member of the Church holds his particular standing and function from God; hee is ranked into his order by the speciall prouidence and calling of God.
And it is to great purpose that men should know it in their own particular.1 For first, it enforceth diligence: if God have set thee in thy calling, then it stands thee upon to discharge the duties of thy calling with all heedfulness and painfulness. Secondly, it may teach men not to pass the bounds §1of their calling; for seeing they are in their places by Gods will, they must §2take heed of going beyond their limits, either by using of unlawful ways and courses, or by intruding into other mens functions. Thirdly, it §3doth plainly appoint the particular calling to serve the general.2 Every Christian hath two Callings: the one is the external designment of him to some outward service in the Church or Common-wealth, and this is his particular calling: the other is the singling of him out by special ⟨p. 6⟩