A89915:1269
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.
And fulfil the rest of the afflictions of Christ.] Some of the late Papists gather from these words, that CHRIST did not suffer all that was needful for mans deliverance from sin, but left a deal to be suffered by his members, especially men of principal note: and hence grew their Supererogation, Satisfactory pains, and Indulgences. But that this cannot be the meaning of this place, is clear, first, because that doctrine is contrary to other Scriptures, as Isaiah 53.4.5.6.8.10.11.12. John 19.30. Heb. 10.1. to 15. Heb. 9.14.25.26. 2 Cor. 5.14. 1 John 2.1. Psal. 49.7. Secondly, themselves being Judges, this sense brings in a gross absurdity: for if the words be understood of the suffering Christ left to his people to endure, for satisfaction for sin, then it will follow, that Paul suffered all was wanting, and so there should remain none for any other to suffer; for he saith, he suffered the rest of the sufferings of Christ. Thirdly, Calvin and Fulk say, that none of the Fathers did here thus understand the words:1 and it is plain, that S. Augustine is flat against this sense, when he saith, Though Brethren die for Brethren, yet no blood of Martyrs is shed for remission of sins: this Christ only hath done. And Leo, a Pope, could say, The just receive, not give Crowns. And out of the fortitude of the faithful, arise examples of Patience, not gifts of Righteousness. Fourthly, the next Verse cleareth this: for he did thus suffer, according to the dispensation given him of God. Now, he was given to edify, not to redeem the Church. Fifthly, their School-Divines are against them; the Gloss hath it thus, Provobis, i. Confirmandis in doctrina Evangelij. Aquinas doubts not to say, that to affirm that the Passions of the Saints are added to make up, or fulfil the Passion of Christ, is heretical. Caietan refers the word, quae desunt unto in carne mea. The plain meaning is, that the Apostle did endure that measure of afflictions that GOD in his counsel had appointed him to endure for the Name and Gospel of CHRIST, and the good of the Church, in the confirmation and encouraging of mens minds in the truth of the Gospel.