A89915:1689
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.
IN these words is both a precept and a rule; a precept, to be rooted, built, stablished: a rule, as ye have been taught. The substance of the precept is but to counsel them to increase more and more, that they might be steadfast in the assurance of Gods favour in Jesus Christ. Of this steadfastness I have at large entreated in the 5. verse. Only we may here again be instructed and informed.
IN these words is both a precept and a rule; a precept, to be rooted, built, stablished: a rule, as ye haue beene taught. The substance of the precept is but to counsell them to increase more and more, that they might be stedfast in the assurance of Gods fauour in Iesus Christ. Of this stedfastnesse I haue at large intreated in the 5. verse. Onely wee may here againe be instructed and informed.
1. Of the necessity and excellency of steadfastness: The Apostle would not thus often peal upon it, but that he knew it to be of singular worth in the life of man, and of great necessity unto our consolation; besides it implies that people are for the most part slow-hearted herein, and hardly drawn to the unfeigned and diligent labour after the establishing of their faith and assurance.
1. Of the necessitie and excellencie of stedfastnesse: The Apostle would not thus often peale vpon it, but that hee knew it to be of singular worth in the life of man, and of great necessitie vnto our consolation; besides it implies that people are for the most part slow-hearted herein, and hardly drawne to the vnfained and diligent labour after the establishing of their faith and assurance.
2. That all this steadfastness of assurance is not the work of a day; a great tree is not grown or rooted but successively; a great house is not built all at once; we must be every day adding something to Gods work, that the building of grace may be in due time finished: none are so established, but they may grow in faith; none have such great roots, but they may take root yet more: many men strive hard to make their trees show in branches and leaves, I mean in outward profession in the world, but alas what should this great bulk, and so many branches and leaves do, unless there were more roots within? Yea many dear children of God mistake wonderfully; they every