A89915:164
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.
The sense being thus given, the doctrine is plain,1 that men may be Saints in this life: there are Saints in Earth as well as in Heaven. This is apparent also in other Scriptures, as Psalm. 16.3. To the Saints that are in earth. And Psal. 37.28. He forsaketh not his Saints. And Psalm. 132.9.16. Let thy Saints rejoice. So in the Epistle to the Ephesians, ch. 2.20. Citizens with the Saints, &c. chap. 3.8. Paul calleth himself the least of all Saints, &c. chap. 4.12. For the gathering together of the Saints; with many other places.2 The use of this serves first, to confute the gross folly of the Papists that acknowledge no Saints till three things come to them: first, they must be Canonized by the Pope:3 secondly, they must be dead first: thirdly, it must be an hundred years after their death. This last proviso was well added, lest their treasons and most vile practises should be remembered. Secondly, this serves for the severe reproof of numbers in our own Church, that live as if there were no sanctity to be looked after, till they come to heaven. Thirdly, the Scripture is not without singular comfort to the poor despised Saints:4 I will take them in order as they lye. Deuter. 7.6.7. If we be sure we be a holy people to the Lord, then this is our comfort, that God accounts of us above all the people upon the earth: and no man loves his Pearls or precious Jewels so much as God loves the meanest Saint. David saith, these are the Nobles of the earth. And Psal. 30.4.5. These are willed with all cheerful thankfulness to laud and praise God, and that before the remembrance of his holiness (as they