A89915:1845
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. But what should be the reason that the holy Ghost in this place and in divers others useth such hard phrases and dark kinds of speech?
Quest. But what should bee the reason that the holy Ghost in this place and in diuers others vseth such hard phrases and darke kindes of speech?
Answ. The Lord of himself in many places of Scripture doth use allegories or dark sayings. 1. Thereby to execute upon wicked men a strange and secret curse: He speaks to them in parablesk. 2. The majesty of the matter sometimes denieth to be expressed in more ordinary terms. 3. In allegories ⟨p. 45⟩the holy Ghost doth not only tell the thing, but explicate it by comparisons, as here. 4. The hard places of Scripture are Gods chests, wherein he hides his treasure from wicked men. 5. God hereby provides for the constant nourishment of the faithful, that though now they find a sweet relish in the word, yet if they come again to the same word, there is such depths in it, they may find more food in it. 6. God somewhat aims at the humbling of the proud heart of man, and will hereby make him see his wants, and many ways buffet him. 7. To excite in us so much the more diligence. 8. Some parts of Scripture are for an appointed timel, and till then they are sealed up. So a veil is yet drawn over some parts of the Revelation in things not yet accomplished; so it was in Daniels timem. Thus in general.
Answ. The Lord of himselfe in many places of Scripture doth vse allegories or darke sayings. 1. Thereby to execute vpon wicked men a strange and secret curse: He speaks to them in parablesk