A89915:1598
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.
VERS. 5. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
VERS. 5. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, reioycing and beholding your order, and the stedfastnes of youre faith in Christ.
These words depend upon the former, as the answer of two objections; First, they might say, How doth he know our estates? to which he answers in the first words, That though it were true, that he were absent, in respect of the flesh, yet it was also true, that he was present in the spirit, both in that his affection, carried him to a daily thought of them, and so to a willingness upon all ⟨p. 15⟩occasions to take notice of their estate: and besides, as some think, he was acquainted with their estate extraordinarily, by revelation of the spirit. And thus also he secretly gives them notice to look to their ways: for he takes notice of all that passed amongst them. How careful should we be in all our courses, as well as they? For we have the spirit of God in us, and the people of God round about us. Here also Ministers may take notice of their duties: their spirits should cleave to their people, and their daily thoughts and cares should run upon them, they should still observe them, and watch over them in the Lord.
THese words depend vpon the former, as the answer of two obiections; First, they might say, How doth he know our estates? to which he answers in the first words, That though it were true, that he were absent, in respect of the flesh, yet it was also true, that he was present in the spirit, both in that his affection, carried him to a daily thought of them, and so to a willinges vpon all ⟨p. 15⟩occasions to take notice of their estate: and besides, as some thinke, hee was acquainted with their estate extraordinarily, by reuelation of the spirit. And thus also he secretly giues them notice to looke to their wayes: for hee takes notice of all that passed amongst them. How carefull should we be in all our courses, as well as they? For we haue the spirit of God in vs, and the people of God round about vs. Heere also Ministers may take notice of their duties: their spirits should cleaue to their people, and their daily thoughts and cares should runne vpon them, they should still obserue them, and watch ouer them in the Lord.