A89915:1146
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.
Strangers and Enemies, &c.] In general we may first observe,1 that it is profitable for men to know and meditate of their natural misery, though men be never so unwilling to it; yea, though they be already delivered from it. For the consideration hereof shows men the need of a ⟨p. 136⟩Saviour, and as a School-master trains them up to Christ: it mollifies the stony hearts of men; it breeds watchfulness over our nature, when we know it is so poisoned and corrupted: it makes us compassionate over others in their distress or infirmities: it sets an high price upon spiritual things, and makes us account Gods favour our greatest joy: it makes us cleave to God in a perpetual Covenant. To omit many other commodities that arise hereof, it reproves the seldom teaching and learning of the doctrine of mans natural miseries.
Strangers and Enemies, &c.] In generall wee may first obserue,1 that it is profitable for men to know and meditate of their naturall miserie, though men be neuer so vnwilling to it; yea, though they be already deliuered from it. For the consideration hereof shewes men the neede of a ⟨p. 136⟩Sauiour, and as a Schoole-master traines them vp to Christ: it mollifies the stony hearts of men; it breedes watchfulnesse ouer our nature, when wee know it is so poysoned and corrupted: it makes vs compassionate ouer others in their distresse or infirmities: it sets an high price vpon spirituall things, and makes vs account Gods fauour our greatest ioy: it makes vs cleaue to God in a perpetuall Couenant. To omit many other commodities that arise hereof, it reproues the seldom teaching and learning of the doctrine of mans naturall miseries.
- 1Good to think much of our misery.Good to thinke much of our misery.