A89915:149
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.
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,3 this Doctrine is of singular use in the cure of the hardest of diseases, viz. affliction of conscience: for in some of the dear Servants of God (that have appearing upon them some signs of effectual Calling, a right evidence of hope from Gods promises, sweet pledges and signifying seals of Gods favour, by the witness of the spirit of Adoption) yet there ariseth some scruples about either the multitude or greatness of their sins: now the healing of their errors,4 and uncomfortable mistakings doth most an end arise from the right application of such examples as this. I say, a right application: for, the most men do dangerously and damnably mistake in alleging the instances of the great sins of Gods servants.5 But if thou observe these four rules thou canst not mistake or misapply: First, if thou bring not in the examples of David, Peter, Paul, or any other, to patronize thy sin, or to defend or nourish thy self in a sinful course. Secondly, if thou allege them not to wrest Gods promises, as to make the promises of mercy general, when they are restrained with their several limitations. Thirdly, when they are not brought out to fortify a profane heart against the ordinances of God, as reproofs either public or private. Fourthly, when thou dost as well urge upon thy self the necessity of the repentance was in them, as seek the comfort of the remission of so great sins committed by them: These rules being observed, the example of Pauls sins may with comfort be applied, as he himself testifieth.