A89915:1497
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.
There is a communion with the absent members of Christ, even with such as we never saw in the face, a communion I say in the same head, and in the same spirit, and in the same privileges, of a regenerated life. And we see here we are bound to desire and endeavour the good of the absent Saints as well as ⟨p. 4⟩the present, we may fight for the absent, by prayer, by apology, by our sufferings, and by using the means of consolation or information, yea, herein is a lively trial of our true love to the brethren, if we can love them we never saw, for the grace of God we hear to be in them.
There is a communion with the absent members of Christ, euen with such as we neuer saw in the face, a communion I say in the same head, and in the same spirit, and in the same priuiledges, of a regenerated life. And we see here we are bound to desire and indeuour the good of the absent Saints as well as ⟨p. 4⟩the present, we may fight for the absent, by prayer, by apologie, by our sufferings, and by vsing the meanes of consolation or information, yea, herein is a liuely triall of our true loue to the brethren, if wee can loue them wee neuer saw, for the grace of God we heare to be in them.
For them of Laodicea.] Though there were many Cities of this name, yet I think this is the Laodicea mentioned Revel. 3. If the estate of these Laodiceans be well marked as it is there described, we may observe, That in matters of religion and Gods worship, they were neither hot nor cold, That they thought they had as good hearts to God as any, that they were in love with no saving grace, that they were utterly ignorant of the doctrine of their misery, that they would take no pains either about justification or sanctification, &c. yet no doubt God had his remnant among these, Christ was Amen in this Church, he did faithfully perform his promises, and they were such as by a new creation of God were begotten again, even amongst so careless a multitude. The general security of a people, doth not simply dissolve the covenant with a people, and the Gospel is with all care to be taught, though but the tithe of men be wrought upon by it.