A89915:1862
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.
Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh] Here is the form of this circumcision without hands: it lies in the mortification of the body of sins that are in the flesh. Where note 1. the matter to be mortified, the body of sins. 2. The manner, it must be put off.
Putting off the body of the sinnes of the flesh] Here is the forme of this circumcision without hands: it lies in the mortification of the body of sinnes that are in the flesh. Where note 1. the matter to be mortified, the body of sinnes. 2. The manner, it must be put off.
The flesh]
The flesh is one of the three great enemies of God and mans salvation, it is a treacherous domesticall enemy. As it is treacherous, so it is tyrannical,1 it will not be pleased unless it reign. A most secret enemy for she sits at the fountain and poisoneth all: most falsely she lets the Devil, and permits him to set up his holds and fortifications in the minds of men: and is never quiet till it bring the soul into actual high treason against God. It is the flesh that causeth whoredoms, murder, drunkenness, and all disorders. She opposeth all the ways of goodness, both by objecting against them, and by making evil present, she savours not the things of God, nor can understand them. It is she that makes the Law unpossible to us: what with her veil of ignorance, and the slowness and hardness she diffuseth upon our hearts and spirits, she makes the service ⟨p. 48⟩of God to seem almost always evil unto us. Yea if she get into her throne she dare exalt herself against God, and judge even God himself, and his will, counsel, providence, and people; her very wisdom is enmity against God. And so infectiously vile is she, that she diffuseth her poison to our very posterity, so as we beget a very race of rebels: and in all this, she fortifies her self by all advantages, from evil example, or by riches, and worldly greatness, or carnal wisdom, or success in sinning, yea rather then she will be subdued or much pursued, she will entrench her self under the very colours of Christ, making her pretence of following him in words, that she may the more securely follow her own lusts in deed. This she doth, and thus spoils the image of God in us, and makes us most filthy and loathsome, and so opens the door of our soul unto Satan, that our hearts are made a very sty for unclean spirits to dwell in, and thus she will do if she be not mortified, till she bring men to hell and eternal condemnation there.