A89915:1829
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 Angels are diversly called in Scripture: they are called spirits to express their nature, and Angels to express their office, as messengers sent of God: they are called sons of Godg: they are called Cherubyms hfrom the form they appeared, viz. like youths: they are called Seraphims ifor their order and fierceness in the execution of God anger: they be called stars of the morning kfrom their brightness of nature: they are called watchmenl, they are in heaven as a watch tower, and they keep the world: they are called flaming firem, because God useth their help to destroy the wicked: here they be called principalities and powers, which are words of greatest excellency amongst men, and are used here to shadow out the glory of those heavenly creatures. Angels are most spiritual creatures without bodies: they move like the wind unresistably, easily without molestation, and in an unperceivable time: and for their number, I am not of their fond opinion that think they are meant in the parable of the 99. sheep, as if they were so infinite beyond the number of mankind: yet without question, their number is exceeding ⟨p. 42⟩great and almost incomprehensible, and cannot be known of us in this worldn. They wonderfully excel in knowledge, and that natural, and supernatural, and experimental. But to speak a little more expressly, I consider in the Angels, 1. What they are in themselves, here called principalities and powers. 2. What they are in relation to Christ, who is said here to be their head. 3. What they be in reference to the body of Christ.
The Angells are diuersly called in Scripture: they are called spirits to expresse their nature, and Angells to expresse their office, as messengers sent of God: they are called sonnes of God