A89915:150
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.
Secondly, the Apostle to bring his doctrine into greater request, doth Doctr. 2 in the entrance of the Epistle insinuate himself into their respects,1 by •etting down the authority and praises of his office and person: which showeth unto us that usually where the persons of the Ministers are not regarded, their Doctrine worketh little. The Doctrine is not long in credit, where the person and function it self is contemned.
Secondly, the Apostle to bring his doctrine into greater request, doth Doctr. 2 in the entrance of the Epistle insinuate himselfe into their respects,1 by •etting downe the authority and praises of his office and person: which sheweth vnto vs that vsually where the persons of the Ministers are not regarded, their Doctrine worketh little. The Doctrine is not long in credit, where the person and function it selfe is contemned.
- 1Doctrine is seldom effectual when the person of the Minister is despised.Doctrine is seldom effectuall when the person of the Minister is despised.
And this yields us one Reason, why a number of profane men get so Use 1 little by the doctrine they so ordinarily hear: And the cause is, they are contemners, and scoffers, and reproachers of Gods Ministers; and therefore God will give them no blessing by their Ministry. Again, it shows how Use 2 heavy and hurtful a sin it is to detract from the name and good esteem of Ministers, by tales, lies, and slanders: for,1 though men believe thee not in thy slanders, yet it is the property of most defamations, that they leave a kind of lower estimation many times where they are not believed. Thirdly, it serves to teach all Ministers and others that are in government, to preserve by all lawful and holy endeavours the authority and credit both of their Persons and Callings. There is no doubt but the base carriage and indiscreet Use 3 and sinful courses of many Ministers have brought a contempt and barrenness upon the very Ordinances of God; they can do no good with their doctrine, they are so wanting to that gravity and innocency that should shine in the lights and lamps of Christ.