A89915:169
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.
1Oh but the Saints themselves are full of great doubts, whether they shall persevere,2 or God will change. Sol. It is Gods unchangeable promise, they shall be preserved for evermore. 3Again, in the 85. Psalm, though the Church be in great perplexities in respect of outward afflictions, yet this comfort the Saints have: First, that though Gods strokes seem to be the strokes of war, yet Gods words are the words of Peace: the Word and Spirit of God are sure fountains of rest and peace to the heart and conscience of Gods afflicted people. Secondly, when God smites his people, he ever hath a regard to this, not to smite them so long, as they should be driven to turn again to folly: by folly he meaneth sin, for all sinful courses are foolish courses. The Lord by crosses intends to bring them out of sin, not to drive them in, and if men find not these privileges true, it is because either they do not hearken, that is, observe and mark the Word, Spirit, and Works of God, or else because they are not his Saints. In the 149. Psalm, there is an Honour given to all the Saints: 4viz. that they should with a two-edged sword, execute vengeance upon the Heathen, and corrections upon the people, they should bind Kings with chains, and Nobles with fetters of iron: thus should they execute upon them the judgement that is written. So forcible and powerful are the public threatenings and censures of the Saints assembled in their holy ranks, as also their private prayers, that all the swords of great Princes cannot so plague the enemies of the Church, as do the Saints by these weapons: So fearful are the corrections and judgements which the Saints by prayers and censures may bring upon whole troops of wicked men, as no swords or fetters in nature can be comparable to them.
1Oh but the Saints themselues are full of great doubts, whether they shall perseuer,2 or God will change. Sol. It is Gods vnchangeable promise, they shall be preserued for euermore.