A89915:1006
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.
Object. But we see the means by which all things are wrought and preserved, as by their causes? Sol. The means notwithstanding, all things, consist in Christ: first, because Christ useth not the means necessarily: secondly, he ordains the means as well as the end: thirdly, the means is many times evil, in matter or form; yet the work is made good by Christ: fourthly, he is not tied to the means, but he can work either with, without, or against the means: fifthly, all means, hath his efficacy from Christ. But the words would be particularly weighed.
Obiect. But we see the meanes by which all things are wrought and preserued, as by their causes? Sol. The meanes notwithstanding, all things, consist in Christ: first, because Christ vseth not the meanes necessarilie: secondly, hee ordaines the meanes as well as the end: thirdly, the meanes is many times euill, in matter or forme; yet the worke is made good by Christ: fourthly, he is not tied to the meanes, but he can worke either with, without, or against the meanes: fiftly, all meanes, hath his efficacie from Christ. But the words would be particularly weighed.
1In him.] All things consist in Christ, both in general, as he is God; and in special, as he is Redeemer. Four ways, all things consist, in, or by CHRIST; as he is God: first, in respect of Ubiquity, he comprehends all things, and is comprehended of nothing. The Nations are but a drop of his Bucket, and time it self is but a drop of his Eternity: secondly, in respect of power, in his power this whole frame stirreth: thirdly, in respect of Omniscience, ⟨p. 119⟩and Wisdom, for all is within his knowledge, and receiveth order from his Wisdom: fourthly, in respect of decree; for the world to be made did from everlasting hang in the fore knowledge, and pre-ordination of Christ.
1In him.] All things consist in Christ, both in generall, as hee is God; and in speciall, as he is Redeemer. Foure waies, all things consist, in, or by CHRIST; as hee is God: first, in respect of Vbiquitie, hee comprehends all things, and is comprehended of nothing. The Nations are but a droppe of his Bucket, and time it selfe is but a drop of his Eternitie: secondly, in respect of power, in his power this whole frame stirreth: thirdly, in respect of Omniscience,