A89915:1759
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 Ceremonial laws did concern sacrifices, and sacraments, and other holy things, and ritual observations. Divines have a saying, that the Judicials are dead, but the Ceremonials are deadly. That the Ceremonies are abrogated, was signified by the renting of the veil of the Temple, yea the Temple it self is destroyed, as will more fully appear when I come to the 15. verse.
The Ceremoniall lawes did concerne sacrifices, and sacraments, and other holy things, and rituall obseruations. Diuines haue a saying, that the Iudicials are dead, but the Ceremonials are deadly. That the Ceremonies are abrogated, was signified by the renting of the vaile of the Temple, yea the Temple it selfe is destroied, as will more fully appeare when I come to the 15. verse.
And thus of the rudiments of the world. Hitherunto also of the matter of the dehortation. The reasons follow.
And not after Christ.]
These words contain the first reason against philosophy, traditions and ceremonies: they are not after Christ, and therefore to be avoided, lest our souls be spoiled. These things were not after Christ, 1. because they no way tended to the furtherance of heaven and reconciliation with God, which in Christ we should principally look to. 2. Because they were no way warranted, or approved, or commanded by Christ: Christ when he came imposed no such things. 3. Because they do now no way lead us after Christ, but from him rather, inasmuch as we rest in those works done, and neglect the commandment of God. Lastly, they feed the humours of carnal men, and draw away mens minds from the spiritual worship of God in Christ.