A89915:1257
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.
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.
Thirdly, in that the Apostle vrgeth his owne testimonie, [I Paul,] it sheweth that the testimony of one Apostle is better then a thousand others; One Paul opposed to many false Teachers: which should teach vs to conuerse much in the Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets (which are of like authority.) And the rather, because the best of other men may erre; nay, haue erred: and therefore a heape of humane testimonies should bee of no value against one Scripture. And as the people should try the Spirit by this witnesse, so should Preachers make conscience of it, to take more paines to enforme the consciences of the people, by the testimony of the Word, then by humane authority, of what sort soeuer.
Fourthly, in that here is but one Paul, that comes in, to confirm the truth of the Gospel, it shows that many times the soundest Teachers are the fewest in number. Here it is so in the best times of the Church: so it was before; there was but one Michaiah for four hundred false Prophets: so in Christs time there was a swarm of Pharisaical, proud, vain glorious, hypocritical, silken Doctors, that loved the chief room, and sought preeminence, teachers of liberty and strife, defenders of traditions, and their own glory and greatness, when Christ and his Disciples were by their envy scorned, as a few precise singular fellows.
Fourthly, in that heere is but one Paul, that comes in, to confirme the truth of the Gospell, it shewes that many times the soundest Teachers are the fewest in number. Heere it is so in the best times of the Church: so it was before; there was but one Michaiah for foure hundred false Prophets: so in Christs time there was a swarme of Pharisaicall, proud, vaine glorious, hypocriticall, silken Doctours, that loued the cheefe roome, and sought preheminence, teachers of liberty and strife, defenders of traditions, and their owne glory and greatnesse, when Christ and his Disciples were by their enuy scorned, as a few precise singular fellowes.