A89915:1254
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.
Whereof I Paul am a minister.] Out of these words many things may be noted:
Wherof I Paul am a minister.] Out of these words many things may be noted:
First, in that the Apostle, notwithstanding all the disgraces and troubles that befell him for the Gospel, doth yet lift up the mention of his Ministry therein, as an inducement to the Ephesians: It may teach us, that the glory of Gods truth is such, as no man need to be ashamed to teach or profess it, nay, there can be no man or woman, to whom it may not be their chiefest glory, whatsoever carnal worldlings or timorous Nicodemites conceive of it.
First, in that the Apostle, notwithstanding all the disgraces and troubles that befell him for the Gospell, doth yet lift vp the mention of his Ministery therein, as an inducement to the Ephesians: It may teach vs, that the glory of Gods truth is such, as no man neede to bee ashamed to teach or professe it, nay, there can be no man or woman, to whom it may not bee their cheifest glory, whatsoeuer carnall worldlings or timerous Nicodemites conceiue of it.
Secondly, in that so great an Apostle doth not disdain to yield his testimony, of purpose to show that Epaphras their Preacher had taught nothing but what he had likewise taught: it showeth that it is the property of faithful and humble Ministers to strengthen the harts and hands of their Brethren; though they be their inferiors, and then it will follow, that they are proud, and envious, and malicious persons, that by cross teaching labour to increase their bonds, whom God hath honoured with success in their labours in the Gospel: such are they, that in many places strive to pull down as fast as others build, making havoc in the Church, and bending their whole might in their Ministry to hinder the sincerity of the Gospel, and the conversion of sinners.