A89915:1319
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.
And yet providence for our future estate may be learned from these Children of this world. For if the Children of sin, be so industrious to make shift for their time, how much more should the hearts of the Children of eternity be enlarged to an inflamed care of large provision for their immortal estate? Fifthly, this should embolden us to a willing forsaking of our selves, in the worst of all outward trials, which is, to forgo even all for Christs sake and the Gospels, if we be put to it. What great thing is it to part with that little All that we have in this world, seeing it could serve us but for a little time; and at length we must leave all? and besides, by a voluntary abnegation we shall be advantaged in the gain of an eternal recompense of reward a hundred-fold better.
And yet prouidence for our future estate may be learned from these Children of this world. For if the Children of sinne, be so industrious to make shift for their time, how much more should the hearts of the Children of eternitie be enlarged to an inflamed care of large prouision for their immortall estate? Fiftly, this should embolden vs to a willing forsaking of our selues, in the worst of all outward trialls, which is, to forgoe euen all for Christs sake and the Gospells, if wee be put to it. What great thing is it to part with that little All that we haue in this world, seeing it could serue vs but for a little time; and at length wee must leaue all? and besides, by a voluntary abnegation wee shall be aduantaged in the gaine of an eternall recompence of reward a hundred-fold better.
Again, in that the Gospel is hid from whole Ages and Generations of men, we may see that whole multitudes may be in a miserable estate; and that it is no privilege for any in sinning, that many are such sinners. Neither §3is multitude, or succession of men, in one mind for matters of Religion, any note of the true Church. For here are whole ages, and many successions of men, that all lived and died without the knowledge of the Gospel: it is a slender prop for Faith to rest on, to say our Fathers, and fore-fathers §4