A89915:1279
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 principal Doctrine from hence is, that the particular sufferings of Gods Servants, especially the Ministers, serve for the good and profit of the whole body.1 The Use is manifold: First, we should hereby be informed to mind the good of the Church, and to seek the advancement of Religion, and the good of religious persons, above our own estate. Our care should be most for the body of Christ, and we should rejoice in any service we could do to the Church of God. Secondly, such as are called to suffer, should labour to show all good faithfulness, zeal, constancy, and holy discretion, seeing their sufferings concern more then their own persons. Thirdly, this should stir us up to pray for such as are in trouble for good causes, since their afflictions are some way for our sakest. Fourthly, this may encourage poor Christians, that complain they have not means to do good; they may be hence informed, that if God call them thereunto, they may do good, yea, to the whole Church, by their sufferings: no wants can hinder, but that the poorest Christian may profit others, by prayer, fastings, counsel, admonitions, comfort and suffering. Fifthly, since the sufferings of the righteous are for our confirmation and encouragement, we should use the meditation of such sufferings, when we find our selves inclineable to discouragement, or impatience, or doubting. Lastly, this greatly reproves carnal Christians, which are so taken up generally with the care of their natural bodies, that they have utterly neglected the care and service of the mystical Body. And in as much as men are generally so barren in doing good, it is a plain sign there is no hope that ever they would suffer for God.
The principall Doctrine from hence is, that the particular sufferings of Gods Seruants, especially the Ministers, serue for the good and profit of the whole body.1 The Vse is manifold: First, wee should heereby bee enformed to minde the good of the Church, and to seeke the aduancement of Religion, and the good of religious persons, aboue our owne estate. Our care should bee most for the body of Christ, and wee should reioyce in any seruice wee could doe to the Church of God. Secondly, such as are called to suffer, should labour to shew all good faithfulnesse, zeale, constancy, and holy discretion, seeing their sufferings concerne more then their owne persons. Thirdly, this should stirre vs vp to pray for such as are in trouble for good causes, since their afflictions are some way for our sakes