A89915:1306
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 Mystery.] The Gospel is a great Mysterya, a •idden Mysteryb, hidden in Godc: because it was a secret in the purpose and grace of the Father, before the world began. Hidden in Christ, because he was that store-house in which the Father laid up all his treasuresd, that concern mans life and immortality: ⟨p. 161⟩and because he was the meritorious ca••• of all our happiness. Hi•••• in the Worde, because the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles, are the sacred fountains of knowledge; and originals, from the bowel• of which flow the comforts of the Gospel to the Church. Hidden also in the dark shadows of the Ceremonial Law. Hidden from Adam himself in Paradise, so long as he acknowledged his happiness by the Covenant of works. Hidden from the Gentiles many hundred years, while they served dumb Idols, and had not the Sun of righteousness shining among them. Hidden from the Jews in part and comparatively, because in a manner all the Jews were ignorant of the manner of Christs Kingdom, and of the calling of the Gentiles, and such like: comparatively, in respect of us; they had the light of a Candle, but we have the light of the Sun: and therefore John is said to be least in the Kingdom of God. Hidden from the natural man still, who cannot perceive the spiritual things of Godf; no, though otherwise he abound with wit and learning. Hidden also from the very faithful, comparatively, in respect of what they shall know in the kingdom of glory; and in respect of the differences of degrees among themselves now.