A89915:1610
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.
Now if any be desirous to know in general what he should do to bring his life into order, I shall profitably advise five things: First,1 that he do resolutely withdraw himself from the sins of the times, and keep himself unspotted of the world, in respect of them. Now the sins of the times are apparent, pride of life, contempt of the Gospel, coldness in faith and religion, swearing, profanation of the holy Sabbath, domesticall irreligiousness, contention, usury, whoredom, drunkenness, and drinkings, oppression and speaking evil of the good way. Secondly, that he observe the more usual corruptions of the calling of life he lives in, and with all heedfulness shun them, whether he be Magistrate, Minister, or private person. Thirdly, that he especially strive against and subdue the evils that by nature he is most prone unto. Fourthly, he shall do wonderfully profitably,2 if he would get a catalogue of duties out of the whole law, that directly concern himself in particular, which is very easy (especially by the help of some that are experienced) to be distinctly gathered, labouring to show all good faithfulness in duties of piety as well as righteousness, and to strive for inward piety as well as outward, resolving to continue, as well as once to begin. Hence it is, if we mark it, that the holy Ghost in divers Scriptures draws for the people of those times divers catalogues, either of grace which specially tended to their praise, or of duties that most fitted their state, or of sins that they must most carefully avoid, as being most commonly committed: yea, it could not but be of excellent use, if we did task our selves to the more strict observation of some of those catalogues, either of grace, or sins, or duties, as we might perceive they most fitted us.
Now if any be desirous to know in generall what he should do to bring his life into order, I shall profitably aduise fiue things: First,1 that hee doe resolutely withdraw himselfe from the sinnes of the times, and keepe himselfe vnspotted of the world, in respect of them. Now the sinnes of the times are apparant, pride of life, contempt of the Gospell, coldnesse in faith and religion, swearing, profanation of the holy Sabbath, domesticall irreligiousnesse, contention, vsury, whoredome, drunkennesse, and drinkings, oppression and speaking euill of the good way. Secondly, that hee obserue the more vsuall corruptions of the calling of life hee liues in, and with all heedfulnesse shun them, whether he be Magistrate, Minister, or priuate person. Thirdly, that he especially striue against and subdue the euils that by nature hee is most prone vnto. Fourthly, he shall doe wonderfully profitably,