A89915:178
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.
Fourthly, faithfulness is exercised in the conscionable employment of the Gifts, Graces, and Talents received in our general calling, to Gods glory, the increase of our gifts, and the enriching of our souls ⟨p. 11⟩with true spiritual gain. And thus he is said to be a good Servant and faithful, that having received five Talents, hath gained with them fi•e mo•,1 or two Talents and doth gain two moe, and this we do, when having received Knowledge, Faith, Love, Hope, Patience, Spirit of Prayer, &c. we do by a constant and daily practise bring them out into exercise for our selves and for others. Thus doing, two commodities we shall reap: first it is a sign of our faithfulness: secondly, the gifts will increase, and to him that §5hath such gifts to use them, shall be more given. Lastly, faithfulness shows it self in mens sincerity, diligence, constancy, and care to promote and further the causes of God, and the Church, with the conscionable discharge of all such duties as belong unto such service. Thus Timothy is praised to be faithful in the Lord, 1 Cor. 4.17.2 And thus the Apostle and Apostolical men were faithful, when they could do nothing against the truth, but for the truth: and thus men are faithful that can patiently bear,3 and willingly take up the Cross of Christ, and that daily; so as they may further the building up,4 and edification of Gods people. Those then are not faithful that do the work of the Lord negligently, that set their hands to the plough, and look back, that mind their own things, honours, pleasures, profits, and preferments, and those that in the time of temptation fall away: these specialties of faithfulness receive a great increase of praise if two things come to them: first, that mens hearts be faithful; that is, that though they have many wants and infirmities, and fail much and often in well-doing, yet the desire, delight, endeavour, resolution and affection is in all pleasing and firmness to walk before God, without either hypocrisy or presumption: this was Abraham's praise,