A89915:1676
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.
9. Would we be set in a safe condition, and stablished? then we must strive for a free spirit, remembering Davids prayer, stablish me with thy free spirith. Now if any ask what a free and ingenuous spirit is: I answer, 1. It is a mind that will not be in bondage to the corruptions of the times, it acknowledgeth no such bonds or relations to any, as to sin for their sakes. 2. It is a mind that apprehends liberty in Christ, a mind that will not be in bondage to legal perfection, but discerns his release from the rigour and curse of the law: it will not be subject, neither to a corrupt conscience, nor yet to a conscience erring or over-busy, but sees his prerogatives he enjoys in Christ, either in the hope of glory, or sense of grace, or use of outward things, or his liberty in things indifferent; there is a kind of servileness or spirit of bondage in many, that wonderfully holds them down, and if they be not better lightened of their daily fears and burdens, the flesh will lighten it self by rebellion and apostasy. 3. It is a mind not chained down to the love of or lust after earthly things. 4. It is a mind ready prest to do good, full of incitations to good things, and careful to preserve it self from the occasions of evil: as resolved so to stand upon the sincerity of his heart, as rather to lose his life then his integrity: as neither caring for those things which the common sort seek after, as praise, profits, outward shows, &c. nor fearing their fears.
9. Would we be set in a safe condition, and stablished? then wee must striue for a free spirit, remembring Dauids praier, stablish mee with thy free spirith. Now if any aske what a free and ingenuous spirit is: I answer, 1. It is a minde that will not be in bondage to the corruptions of the times, it acknowledgeth no such bonds or relations to any, as to sinne for their sakes. 2. It is a minde that apprehends libertie in Christ, a minde that will not be in bondage to legall perfection, but discernes his release from the rigour and curse of the law: it will not be subiect, neither to a corrupt conscience, nor yet to a conscience erring or ouer-busie, but sees his prerogatiues hee enioyes in Christ, either in the hope of glory, or sense of grace, or vse of outward things, or his libertie in things indifferent; there is a kinde of seruilenesse or spirit of bondage in many, that wonderfully holds them downe, and if they be not better lightned of their daily feares and burdens, the flesh will lighten it selfe by rebellion and apostacie. 3. It is a minde not chained downe to the loue of or lust after earthly things. 4. It is a minde ready prest to doe good, full of incitations to good things, and carefull to preserue it selfe from the occasions of euill: as resolued so to stand vpon the sinceritie of his heart, as rather to lose his life then his integritie: as neither caring for those things which the common sort seeke after, as praise, profits, outward shewes, &c. nor fearing their feares.