A89915:1265
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.
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. Secondly, that their Saviour did therefore suffer, that he might succour them that sufferc. Thirdly, that the sting is taken out of the Cross, and therefore it is not so painful to them as it is to the wicked men. Fourthly, that the same afflictions are upon their brethren that are in the worldd. Fifthly, that the way to life is such a kind of way, a strait & narrow troublesome waye. Sixthly, that after all their troubles are a while borne in this world, they shall have rest with the blessed in heaven, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed, and better and more enduring substance, then any here they can want or losef. Yea, that their afflictions are to be accounted a part of that treasure that they would lay up against the last day. Seventhly, that God will in the mean time comfort them in all their tribulationg. Eighthly, that their manifold temptations serve for great use; as for the trial of their precious Faith, and refining of all Graces, with the purging out of much dross and corruption in their naturesh. Ninthly, that no afflictions can separate them from the love of God in Christ, with many other reasons, which I might instance in, besides those mentioned in the end of this Verse. If any yet ask, how Gods Servants have attained to such Joy, since there are worlds of people, that in their troubles, could never be induced to conceive of such contentment, by any reason could be brought them; I answer, that there are divers things in Gods Children, which are not in wicked men; which are great causes of, and helps to joy in tribulation: As, first, they will receive the light, and treasure up holy knowledge, which they find singular use of in their Troubles: whereas an ignorant mind is usually attended with a distempered hart