A89915:1866
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.
Hitherto in general of the flesh and the mortification of it. Now more specially we must consider here, 1. the matter to be mortified, viz. the body of sins. 2. The manner, in the words put off.
Hitherto in generall of the flesh and the mortification of it. Now more specially we must consider here, 1. the matter to be mortified, viz. the body of sinnes. 2. The manner, in the words put off.
Sins] Two things may be here noted; the one is implied, the other is expressed: that which is implied is, that God doth not require this circumcision in other things but only in sins. 1. Regeneration doth not oppose the flesh in the substance of it: we are not required to cut off any parts of the body, nor to destroy any faculties of the soul; and the same I say of the complexion or constitution of the body, it doth not require the melancholy man should be made sanguine. 2. This circumcision reacheth not to the natural desires of the flesh, I mean such as are needful to the being of nature, as to eat, sleep &c. 3. Nor to the moral projects. 4. Nor to the remainders of spiritual light, as sparkles of Gods Image. 5. Nor to the outward necessary helps of life, as horse, land, friends, &c. only it restrains those when they are hinderances to godliness. The use is therefore wisely to discern between the mere natural defects arising from the constitution of our bodies, and the sins and disorders of our souls: for this spiritual circumcision will not cure mens bodies, but only sanctifies mens minds.
Sinnes] Two things may be here noted; the one is implied, the other is exprest: that which is implied is, that God doth not require this circumcision in other things but only in sinnes. 1. Regeneration doth not oppose the flesh in the substance of it: we are not required to cut off any parts of the body, nor to destroy any faculties of the soule; and the same I say of the complexion or constitution of the body, it doth not require the melancholy man should be made sanguine. 2. This circumcision reacheth not to the naturall desires of the flesh, I meane such as are needfull to the being of nature, as to eate, sleepe &c. 3. Nor to the morrall proiects. 4. Nor to the remainders of spirituall light, as sparkles of Gods Image. 5. Nor to the outward necessary helpes of life, as horse, land, friends, &c. onely it restraines those when they are hinderances to godlinesse. The vse is therefore wisely to discerne between the meere naturall defects arising from the constitution of our bodies, and the sinnes and disorders of our soules: for this spirituall circumcision will not cure mens bodies, but only sanctifies mens mindes.