A89915:1296
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.
Which is given to me.] Ministers must be called by special commission from God, as well as by outward calling from man.
Which is giuen to mee.] Ministers must bee called by speciall commission from God, as well as by outward calling from man.
To fulfil the word of God. Divers things may be hence observed. First, the Word is that special treasure, and the chief portion that God hath left, both to Ministers and People. Secondly, whatsoever the word seemeth to be unto carnal men, yet it is certain, God will see to it, that all that is in it shall be fulfilled. Thirdly, the Preachers of the Gospel, are the means to set the word a working. And therefore no wonder, though troupes of people that are not subject to the ministry of the word, find little power it it. Besides, it evidently confutes those that think by reading at home, to get enough both for knowledge and salvation: for it is preaching that by Gods blessing and ordination doth put life into the word, and brings it into accomplishment. Fourthly, Quest. How may we conceive of it,1 that Gods Ministers do fulfil the word? Ans. The word is said by them to be fulfilled four ways: 1. if we respect preaching it self: 2. if we respect the manner of preaching: 3. if we respect the suffering that follows preaching: 4. if we respect the efficacy of preaching.
To fulfill the word of God. Diuers things may be hence obserued. First, the Word is that speciall treasure, and the chiefe portion that God hath left, both to Ministers and People. Secondly, whatsoeuer the word seemeth to be vnto carnall men, yet it is certaine, God will see to it, that all that is in it shall be fulfilled. Thirdly, the Preachers of the Gospell, are the meanes to set the word a working. And therefore no wonder, though troupes of people that are not subiect to the ministery of the word, finde little power it it. Besides, it euidently confutes those that thinke by reading at home, to get enough both for knowledge and saluation: for it is preaching that by Gods blessing and ordination doth put life into the word, and brings it into accomplishment. Fourthly, Quest. How may wee conceiue of it,