A89915:1410
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.
1Quest. But what needs all this preaching. Ans. It is exceeding needful; for it is the ordinary means to save mens souls, 2and to beget Faith: and in as much as there are daily still to be added to the Church, therefore still the means is to be used, besides the secret judgement of God in the induration of the wicked, and leaving them without excuse. And as there needs daily food for the body, so doth there for the soul: and the Lord by his word doth heal the daily infirmities of his peopleb. Men think it needful the Exchequer should be open all the year, that their Law-cases may be determined: and more need it is, the Lords spiritual Exchequer should stand open for the daily determining of the Cases of Conscience, which arise in the souls of Gods people: and we need a daily light for our paths, and Lantern for our feetc. What shall I say? our very Calling needs direction out of the word, and our crosses and temptations cause us to feel a daily need of the comforts of the word to be applied to us: the godly are to be encouraged in well-doing, and that continually; and we all need to be called upon daily, for reformation and prevention of sin. Grace will not hold out without means, and Knowledge must be increased; and a daily Ministry is of singular use to prepare us for death, and wean us from the world. These and many other be the reasons of daily preaching, which should greatly reprove such Ministers as labour not, either for want of gifts, or plurality of places, or distraction of business, or for very idleness, or unwillingness to take pains. Woe unto them, for as they provide evil for their peoples souls, so they reward evil to their own souls.
1Quest. But what needes all this preaching. Ans. It is exceeding needfull; for it is the ordinary meanes to saue mens soules, 2and to beget Faith: and in as much as there are daily still to be added to the Church, therefore still the meanes is to be vsed, besides the secret iudgement of God in the induration of the wicked, and leauing them without excuse. And as there needes daily foode for the body, so doth there for the soule: and the Lord by his word doth heale the daily infirmities of his people