A89915:1264
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.
In these words I note two things: First, the Apostles joy in affliction: secondly, the Reasons which moved him unto his rejoicing. His suffering in which he doth rejoice, he amplifies by the time [now;] and the divers sorts of crosses he endured, which he expresseth indefinitely, when he saith plurally, [my sufferings;] as also by the use of them, [for you,] that is, for confirmation of your Faith and encouragement. The Motives are four, first, because they are (the afflictions of Christ,) secondly, because they are laid upon him by the Decree of God; his measure is set him, and he hath almost done his task, he is ready to dye: thirdly, because they are but (in his flesh:) fourthly, because they were for the good of (the Church.)
In these words I note two things: First, the Apostles ioy in affliction: secondly, the Reasons which mooued him vnto his reioycing. His suffering in which hee doth reioyce, hee amplifies by the time [now;] and the diuers sorts of crosses he endured, which hee expresseth indefinitely, when he saith plurally, [my sufferings;] as also by the vse of them, [for you,] that is, for confirmation of your Faith and encouragement. The Motiues are foure, first, because they are (the afflictions of Christ,) secondly, because they are laid vpon him by the Decree of God; his measure is set him, and hee hath almost done his taske, hee is ready to dye: thirdly, because they are but (in his flesh:) fourthly, because they were for the good of (the Church.)
Now rejoice I in my sufferings.) Doct. Gods Children have much joy;1 even in affliction they are cheerful, and with great encouragement, they bear their Crossesa: and if any ask the reason why they are so glad in their affliction and trouble; I answer, Gods Servants are the more cheerful under crosses, because they know: first, that the Prince of their Salvation was consecrate through afflictionb