A89915:161
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.
1Before I come to the particular handling of each of these, I consider four things in the general: First, here we see the power of the Gospel. But a little before,2 if Coloss had been searched with lights, as Jerusalem was, there would not have been found one Saint nor one faithful man or woman in the whole City:3 and now behold by the preaching of the Word, here are many Saints and faithful Brethren to be found in her. Secondly, we see here who be the true members of the Church. The Apostle acknowledgeth none but such as are Saints, faithful, and in Christ. Thirdly, we see here that a Church may remain a true Church, notwithstanding gross corruptions ⟨p. 7⟩remain in it unreformed, as here these titles are given to • C•••ch much poisoned with humane traditions and vile corruptions in wo•••ip. Lastly it is to be observed, that the Apostle joins all these together,4 to note that one cannot be without the other, one cannot be a Saint unless he be faithful, and in Christ, and so of the rest. The last clause cuts off the Jews apparently from being Saints or true believers, seeing they receive not Christ: and the first clause cuts off the carnal Protestant, so as he cannot be a believer or in Christ, seeing he cares no more for sanctity: and the two middlemost cut off the Papists and all Heretics and Schismatics, seeing they have with insolent pride made a rent and Apostasy from the true Apostolical Churches,5 by advancing themselves with their Man of sin above their brethren, nay, above all that is called God.
1Before I come to the particular handling of each of these, I consider foure things in the generall: First, heere we see the power of the Gospell. But a little before,