A89915:1376
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.
Two things are in the verse to be observed: the Means, and the End: the means is preaching; which is amplified by the parts of it, admonishing and teaching, and by the manner of it, in all wisdom.
Two things are in the verse to be obserued: the Meanes, and the End: the meanes is preaching; which is amplified by the parts of it, admonishing and teaching, and by the manner of it, in all wisedome.
Whom we preach.] The reason why the Apostle falls so often into the mention and praise of their preaching, is to rescue it from the contempt, under which many times it lay disgraced.
Whom we preach.] The reason why the Apostle falls so often into the mention and praise of their preaching, is to rescue it from the contempt, vnder which many times it lay disgraced.
There are four things may be observed here,1 which tend to express the honour of the ministry in this place. 1. They are as it were, the Lords high treasurers, to dispense the riches of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. And if such an office be in such request under earthly Princes, what is it to be so honoured of the Prince of all Princes? All the world is beholding to the ministry, for they show that Mine of incomparable Treasure; they dig it up; they offer it as spiritual Merchants: yea, the Lord by them doth as it were, particularly enrich all Christians. 2. This honour of publishing the Gospel, is now taken from the very Angels, and given to them: now We, not the Angels, preach unto you. 3. They have the best subject that ever men had to entreat of: all other Sciences are b• […] comparison of them, they entreat of Christ, and grace, and glory for ever by him: nay, 4. herein differs preaching from all other relations whatsoever, that they do not preach of Christ, but they preach CHRIST, that is, they give what they speak of.