A89915:1087
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.
For the second; this fullness is in Christ: and this hath matter of great weight; for thereby is implied the misery of all unregenerate men. There is no fullness, completeness, sufficing felicity wheresoever, to be had out of Christ. And besides, the Emphasis imports great comfort to the true convert; for this fullness is in Christ. God doth not look to have the members actually absolute in themselves, it will serve turn that all fullness be in the head. And in as much as the perfect bliss of a Christian is in his ⟨p. 128⟩Christ, it is well for his safety, against the malice of Satan, who now may bite the heel, but cannot touch the head. And from hence we must learn, if we would ever get, by participation and influence, any grace from Christ, we must by Faith and effectual calling, get into Christ.
For the second; this fulnesse is in Christ: and this hath matter of great weight; for thereby is implyed the misery of all vnregenerate men. There is no fulnesse, compleatnesse, sufficing felicitie wheresoeuer, to bee had out of Christ. And besides, the Emphasis imports great comfort to the true conuert; for this fulnesse is in Christ. God doth not looke to haue the members actually absolute in themselues, it will serue turne that all fulnesse bee in the head. And in as much as the perfect blisse of a Christian is in his ⟨p. 128⟩Christ, it is well for his safety, against the malice of Sathan, who now may bite the heele, but cannot touch the head. And from hence we must learne, if we would euer get, by participation and influence, any grace from Christ, we must by Faith and effectuall calling, get into Christ.
Thirdly, in that he saith, this Fullness dwells in Christ; it notes the continuance of it: the personal Union shall never be dissolved, and therefore the habitual graces of Christ, shall never be abolished. And these Graces had need continue in him, for in him rests the calling of the Elect, not yet gathered, and the perseverance of the Saints.