A89915:155
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.
And it is to great purpose that men should know it in their own particular. For first, it enforceth diligence: if God have set thee in thy calling,1 then it stands thee upon to discharge the duties of thy calling with all heedfulness and painfulness. Secondly, it may teach men not to pass the bounds §1of their calling; for seeing they are in their places by Gods will, they must §2take heed of going beyond their limits, either by using of unlawful ways and courses, or by intruding into other mens functions. Thirdly, it §3doth plainly appoint the particular calling to serve the general. Every Christian hath two Callings:2 the one is the external designment of him to some outward service in the Church or Common-wealth, and this is his particular calling: the other is the singling of him out by special ⟨p. 6⟩sanctification to glorify God, and seek his own salvation in the things of the Kingdom of Christ, and this is a calling general to him, with all believers. Now it is manifest, that Gods commandment is, that men first seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. And therefore he never meant that men should so follow their outward business and employments, as to omit the means of knowledge and grace, prayer, reading, hearing, §4conference, and such like. Lastly, the consideration of this, that we hold our particular callings from God, should teach us contentation in the willing under-going of the daily molestations or troubles and crosses that do befall us, and to be content with our kind of life, seeing we are thus set and placed by Gods will.
And it is to great purpose that men should know it in their owne particular. For first, it inforceth diligence: if God haue set thee in thy calling,1 then it stands thee vpon to discharge the dueties of thy calling with all heedfulnesse and painfulnesse. Secondly, it may teach men not to passe the bounds