A89915:1138
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.
Sixthly, Experience gives sure testimony to the Doctrine of the Gospel: then we know profitably, when we know the doctrine in our own case, as the Colossians here their Reconciliation. We need not wonder ⟨p. 135⟩then, if we see that the most powerful parts of practical Divinity have little or no testimony, or if it be, it is dark and seldom, from the most men; yea, from many Church-men. The cause is, they never had experience themselves. And we should learn to esteem their judgement most, that do draw Religion most into practise; for God will show the humble his way.
Sixtly, Experience giues sure testimonie to the Doctrine of the Gospell: then wee know profitably, when wee know the doctrine in our owne case, as the Colossians here their Reconciliation. Wee neede not wonder ⟨p. 135⟩then, if wee see that the most powerfull parts of practicall Diuinitie haue little or no testimonie, or if it bee, it is darke and seldome, from the most men; yea, from many Church-men. The cause is, they neuer had experience themselues. And we should learne to esteeme their iudgement most, that doe draw Religion most into practise; for God will shew the humble his way.
And you.] In the gathering of Souls, God works beyond desert, and many times beyond probabilities. If we respect the men, they were Gentiles, hardened by hundreds of years, in custom of sins: if we respect the means, it is Epaphras, none of the greatest of the Apostles. Which should teach us to live by Faith, and use Gods ordinance with confidence: As in the business of conversion, so in matter of preservation, knowing that God is not tied to desert or means.
And you.] In the gathering of Soules, God workes beyond desert, and many times beyond probabilities. If we respect the men, they were Gentiles, hardened by hundreds of yeeres, in custome of sinnes: if wee respect the meanes, it is Epaphras, none of the greatest of the Apostles. Which should teach vs to liue by Faith, and vse Gods ordinance with confidence: As in the businesse of conuersion, so in matter of preseruation, knowing that God is not tyed to desert or meanes.