A89915:1101
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.
Reconcile.] The word imports a restoring of one to Amity, from which he was by his own fault fallen. There is a three-fold estate of man: there is the estate, 1. of Innocency; and here the man is at Amity with God, 2. of Corruption; and here is mortal enmity between God and man: 3. of Grace; and here they are made friends, and the League renewed. Into the first estate we came by Creation; into the second by Propagation; and into the third only by Regeneration. The distinct knowledge of this three-fold estate of man, clears Gods Justice, from the blame of all those plagues, broke in upon man-kind, through corruption: and it should scar wicked men out of their wretched condition, as they are by nature ⟨p. 130⟩servants of corruption. And it greatly commends the mercy of God, that could love us when we were enemies.
Reconcile.] The word imports a restoring of one to Amitie, from which he was by his owne fault fallen. There is a three-folde estate of man: there is the estate, 1. of Innocency; and heere the man is at Amity with God, 2. of Corruption; and heere is mortall enmity betweene God and man: 3. of Grace; and heere they are made friends, and the League renewed. Into the first estate wee came by Creation; into the second by Propagation; and into the third onely by Regeneration. The distinct knowledge of this three-folde estate of man, cle•res Gods Iustice, from the blame of all those plagues, broke in vpon man-kinde, through corruption: and it should scarre wicked men out of their wretched condition, as they are by nature ⟨p. 130⟩seruants of corruption. And it greatly commends the mercy of God, that could loue vs when wee were enemies.
In the performance of this work of Reconciliation or Mediation, there are six distinct things done by Christ: the first is Discretion, or Dijudication of the cause: he takes notice of the state and business of the Church. Secondly, he doth report the Will of God, the Covenant and Conditions of agreement with God, to the Church. Thirdly, he makes Intercession for the offending party. Fourthly, he satisfies and expiates for sin. Fifthly, he applies that Satisfaction. Sixthly, he conserves the Elect in the state of Reconciliation. Discretion and Relation belong to the Prophetical office: Intercession and Satisfaction to the Priesthood;