A89915:1818
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.
Quest. How can they be said to be already filled and complete in Christ, seeing many things for their perfection are not yet given, and there is a difference of fullness in the children of God? Answ. That this point may be more clearly understood, I consider of this completeness more exactly, both in what it is, and what it ought to be, for they may be said to be complete, in that they ought to labour after it.
Quest. How can they be said to be already filled and compleat in Christ, seeing many things for their perfection are not yet giuen, and there is a difference of fulnes in the children of God? Answ. That this point may be more clearely vnderstood, I consider of this compleatnesse more exactly, both in what it is, and what it ought to be, for they may be said to be compleat, in that they ought to labour after it.
The faithful are complete or impleat rather, either comparatively or positively:1 comparatively in this sense, because they are in the absolutest estate that any kind of people are in, and far more happy then all the world beside, for the earth is cursed to all other men, the felicity they would desire cannot be had, or if it were, yet the wrath of God for their sins, lieth like fire in the mids of all, and who knows when it will burn? how can there be any completeness in their estate, seeing the unregenerate heart cannot be filled, and the things they can get, serve but for the flesh and bodily life? thus they are comparatively complete. Now positively they are so 4. ways. 1. In respect of the fullness of the body mystical, it is a glorious well compacted complete bodyk, and so the Church is the fullness of Christ. 2. In respect of justification, and that 2. ways: for every child of God hath whole Christ given him, and his whole righteousness imputed: and besides he hath forgiveness of all sorts of sins, original, actual, of infirmity or presumption, &c. 3. In respect of sanctification. 4. In respect of glorification.