A89915:1865
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.
1Now for the taming of the flesh God hath taken divers excellent courses, 1. He hath laid a necessity of mortality upon it, all flesh must know it is but grass. 2. To cross the glory of the fleshly, the Lord of purpose when he chooseth heirs of salvation, will not take many of those the flesh commends for mightiness, or nobleness, or wisdom, or the like. 3. God hath set a standing curse upon the chief things desired by the flesh, so as they cannot be used, but with a kind of experience of their vanity, and loathing, and vexation of the spirit.2 4. He hath enacted terrible decrees against such as walk after the flesh, and gives proclamation that he will certainly judge men for all the practises of the flesh.3 5. He placeth his spirit within us to lust against the flesh. 6. He sent his son to take the similitude of sinful flesh, that in the flesh he might subdue the flesh. Lastly, he hath showed us ways, what we must do that we might tame and subdue the flesh: as when he telleth us, first,4 that we must be sober, that is, moderate in meat and drink, and recreation and apparel, and what else may hamper the flesh. 2. That we must put no confidence in the flesh. 3. That we must mortify it, by confession of sin, and godly sorrow, with strong cries calling upon God for help against it. 4. That we must search the records of Gods promises, and by faith lay hold upon him. For till we can show a better draught of happiness then the flesh doth, we do in vain go about to charm it. 5. We must silence it: not suffer it to object; or excuse, or extenuate, or deny.
1Now for the taming of the flesh God hath taken diuers excellent courses, 1. He hath laid a necessitie of mortalitie vpon it, all flesh must know it is but grasse. 2. To crosse the glory of the fleshly, the Lord of purpose when hee chuseth heires of saluation, will not take many of those the flesh commends for mightinesse, or noblenesse, or wisedome, or the like. 3. God hath set a standing curse vpon the chiefe things desired by the flesh, so as they cannot be vsed, but with a kinde of experience of their vanitie, and loathing, and vexa•ion of the spirit.