A89915:1271
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.
The consideration of this,1 that Christ accounteth the afflictions of his members to be his own, may serve for divers uses: For first, it shows that they be in a woeful case, that have ought to do against Christs Ministers, or any of his Servants. They would easily grant it, that the Jews were brought into great distress, by the wrongs they did to Christ himself; then must it also follow that they cannot scape scot-free, that despise, revile, traduce, or any way abuse the Messengers or Servants of Christ, since he accounts it as done to himself. Secondly, this may b•e a wonderful motive to stir us up to be industrious in well-doing, and in helping and relieving the poor Members of Christ, since we are sure to have thanks and reward from Christ himself, as if we had done it to him. Lastly, in all our sufferings we should strive that we might be assured that our sufferings are his sufferings. And that it might be so, we must be sure of two things: 1. that we be found in himo; for unless we be the members of Christ, we cannot have the benefit of this Sympathy: 2. that we suffer not for ill doingp.
The consideration of this,1 that Christ accounteth the afflictions of his members to be his owne, may serue for diuers vses: For first, it shewes that they be in a wofull case, that haue ought to doe against Christs Ministers, or any of his Seruants. They would easily graunt it, that the Iewes were brought into great distresse, by the wrongs they did to Christ himselfe; then must it also follow that they cannot scape scot-free, that despise, reuile, traduce, or any way abuse the Messengers or Seruants of Christ, since hee accounts it as done to himselfe. Secondly, this may b•e a wonderfull motiue to stirre vs vp to be industrious in well-doing, and in helping and releeuing the poore Members of Christ, since wee are sure to haue thankes and reward from Christ himselfe, as if wee had done it to him. Lastly, in all our suffe•ings wee should striue that wee might be assured that our sufferings are his sufferings. And that it might be so, wee must be sure of two things: 1. that wee bee found in him