A89915:1394
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.
For the first: the word of God is well called wisdom,1 either as it is the pattern, or Image, or resemblance of Gods everlasting wisdom, which from all eternity in his counsel he had conceived: or as it portrayeth out Christ, who is the natural wisdom of God: or as it unfoldeth the depths of Gods wise providence, especially in his Church: or comparatively with all the forms of Doctrine, conceived by the wisest of the Gentiles, or any carnal men.
For the first: the word of God is well called wisedome,1 eyther as it is the patterne, or Image, or resemblance of Gods euerlasting wisedome, which from all eternity in his counsell hee had conceiued: or as it portrayeth out Christ, who is the naturall wisedome of God: or as it vnfoldeth the depths of Gods wise prouidence, especially in his Church: or comparatiuely with all the formes of Doctrine, conceiued by the wisest of the Gentiles, or any carnall men.
- 1Why the word is called wisdom.Why the word is called wisedome.
For the second: these words may be referred to the Teachers,1 and then the sense is, they must teach in all wisdom. They are called wise menr, and that they may teach in all wisdom: first, they must be sure they teach truth, and not errors: neither errors of Doctrine, nor errors of fact. It is a grievous shame for Preachers out of the Pulpit, of purpose to disgrace some kind of men, to report of them things utterly untrue: especially to fail often or usually this way. Secondly, they must labour to express the power of the spirit, as well as a sound form of Doctrine. Thirdly, they must make use of all opportunities and advantages, to work upon the people, when a door is opened. To preach wisely, is to preach seasonably. Fourthly, they cannot preach in the wisdom of God, if they hunt after and effect that