A89915:1382
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.
2. Such as preach, but not Christ; and these are not all of a sort: for 1. some preach themselves, not Christ: or if they paint out Christ, it is in their own likeness; so as under his name they commend themselves to the world 2. some preach, but it is beside Christ: in raking together mens inventions. And surely, that so great affecting of human authorities in preaching, when it is with a kind of neglect of the search of Scriptures, as if ⟨p. 174⟩they wanted wit or power, cannot be justified. 3. Some preach, but it is against Christ: and such are they that care not covertly to contradict the main Doctrines of Christ, or else bend themselves in their whole ministry to strengthen the hands of the wicked, and make sad the hearts of the righteous.
2. Such as preach, but not Christ; and these are not all of a sort: for 1. some preach themselues, not Christ: or if they paint out Christ, it is in their owne likenes; so as vnder his name they commend themselues to the world 2. some preach, but it is beside Christ: in raking together mens inuentions. And surely, that so great affecting of human authorities in preaching, when it is with a kinde of neglect of the search of Scriptures, as if ⟨p. 174⟩they wanted wit or power, cannot be iustified. 3. Some preach, but it is against Christ: and such are they that care not couertly to contradict the maine Doctrines of Christ, or else bend themselues in their whole ministery to strengthen the hands of the wicked, and make sad the hearts of the righteous.
Thirdly, such as preach Christ; but it is for envy: and to increase the bonds & disgraces of others; or it is not diligently, or they preach not Christ crucified (they teach not soundly the doctrine of mortification) or they preach not Christ risen again: they teach so coldly, so barrenly, so insufficiently, as if Christ were still in the grave: some there be that preach of Christ, but it is chiefly of his Crown and Sceptre: they are never kindled, till they get into questions of Church-government: they teach their hearers the doctrine of reforming of Churches, when they had more need to teach them how to reform themselves, and their households.