A89915:1256
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.
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.
Secondly, in that so great an Apostle doth not disdaine to yeelde his testimony, of purpose to shew that Epaphras their Preacher had taught nothing but what hee had likewise taught: it sheweth that it is the property of faithfull and humble Ministers to strengthen the harts and hands of their Brethren; though they be their inferiours, and then it will follow, that they are proud, and enuious, and malicious persons, that by crosse teaching labour to encrease their bonds, whom God hath honoured with successe in their labours in the Gospell: such are they, that in many places striue to pull downe as fast as others builde, making hauocke in the Church, and bending their whole might in their Ministery to hinder the sincerity of the Gospell, and the conuersion of sinners.
Thirdly, in that the Apostle urgeth his own testimony, [I Paul,] it showeth that the testimony of one Apostle is better then a thousand others; One Paul opposed to many false Teachers: which should teach us to converse much in the Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets (which are of like authority.) And the rather, because the best of other men may err; nay, have erred: and therefore a heap of humane testimonies should be of no value against one Scripture. And as the people should try the Spirit by this witness, so should Preachers make conscience of it, to take more pains to inform the consciences of the people, by the testimony of the Word, then by humane authority, of what sort soever.