A89915:1287
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.
From the Coherence with the 23. Verse, I note, that if men would be established in Faith and Hope they must be subject to the power of the ministry of Gods Servants. From the Coherence with the former Verse, I note that if the Ministers of CHRIST do find that their service is available and powerful to profit the souls of the people, they must not think it strange, that they fall into many tribulations.
From the Coherence with the 23. Verse, I note, that if men would bee established in Faith and Hope they must be subiect to the power of the ministerie of Gods Seruants. From the Coherence with the former Verse, I note that if the Ministers of CHRIST doe finde that their seruice is auaileable and powerfull to profit the soules of the people, they must not thinke it strange, that they fall into many tribulations.
From the general consideration of the whole Verse, I observe, both the dignity and the restraint of the Ministry. The dignity of a Minister stands in three things: first, that he is Gods Ambassador: Secondly, that by his Commission he is sent unto Gods people, who are the only Worthies of the world: thirdly, that a great part of the efficacy of the word, rests by Gods appointment upon him and his Office. The restraint is likewise in three things: first, he is a Minister or Servant; not a Lord or Saviour: secondly, he receives his commandment from God: he must not run of his own head, nor hold his office by mere humane ordination: thirdly, the word of God must be his ground and rule, for all his dealing, in dispensing the things of God.
From the generall consideration of the whole Verse, I obserue, both the dignitie and the restraint of the Ministery. The dignitie of a Minister stands in three things: first, that hee is Gods Ambassadour: Secondly, that by his Commission hee is sent vnto Gods people, who are the onely Worthies of the world: thirdly, that a great part of the efficacie of the word, rests by Gods appointment vpon him and his Office. The restraint is likewise in three things: first, hee is a Minister or Seruant; not a Lord or Sauiour: secondly, he receiues his commandement from God: he must not runne of his owne head, nor hold his office by meere humane ordination: thirdly, the word of God must be his ground and rule, for all his dealing, in dispensing the things of God.