A89915:1320
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.
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 §4lived and died in this or that mind or opinion. Further, we may observe hence the infectiousness of sin: how naturally it will spread, even to the poisoning of whole Worlds of men. If sin but once get a fountain, if the §5Lord stop it not, into what rivers of contagion will it defuse it self? Also, we may see how fearful a thing it is to fall into the hands of an angry God, since the lives of so many millions cannot find pity or pardon with him. §6And the insensibleness of sinners may hence be noted also. When would those ages and generations of men have awaked out of their idolatrous sleep, if the Lord by the voice of his Son, and his Servants, had not awaked them? Moreover, it may be manifest from hence, that the Lord in §7dispensing his grace, is not moved by any outward things: for what can any person or people have to commend them by to God, which those Nations had not? Lastly, we may here see it verified, that Gods judgements are like a great deep: it is not for man to conceive that he should be able to search into them. Yet least any should stand still, and be swallowed up with amazement, at the fall and ruin of those worlds of men, let him consider of these things following. First, that these people were instructed by the Creatures,1 and had a Law written in their heartsq. Secondly, that these terrible desertions, and exquisite judgements, were deserved by an infinite measure of horrible sins: which if we could soundly consider of, our Objections about their falls would be much dulled. Thirdly, that it is God that prescribes and describeth Justice: and therefore things are just, because he doth them; not that first man must pronounce them just, and then God will do them. Fourthly, that the reasons of this dealing may be just, though not expressed unto us. Fifthly, that Christians are charged to be wise to sobriety: