A89915:148
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.
By the will of God.] These words are expounded, Galat. 1.1. where he is said to be an Apostle, not of men, as Princes send civill Ambassadors, or as the Jews sent false Apostles; nor by men, as Timothy, Titus, Luke, &c. who were ordained by man:1 and as Titus did ordain Elders. Or else not by the Commendation, pains or instruction of any man.
By the will of God.] These words are expounded, Galat. 1.1. where hee is said to be an Apostle, not of men, as Princes send ciuill Embassadours, or as the Iewes sent false Apostles; nor by men, as Timothy, Titus, Luke, &c. who were ordayned by man:1 and as Titus did ordaine Elders. Or else not by the Commendation, paines or instruction of any man.
1Paul an Apostle.] Here three Doctrines may be observed: first, great sinners may prove great Saints; a great enemy of sincere Religion may prove Doctr. 1 a great founder of Churches; a great oppressor of Gods Servants may prove a great feeder of Gods flock.2 In a word, a persecutor, as we see here, may be an Apostle. This Doctrine as it doth excellently sample out Gods unsearchable mercy, so it teacheth us not to despair of any, but to continue Use. 1 to pray for even the vilest and most spiteful adversaries, and the most open oppugners, and usual traducers of Gods causes and people; and to wait upon God to see if at any time he will give them repentance to build that they have destroyed, and to gather that they have so much striven to scatter. Secondly,