A89915:1909
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.
And as for righteousness, in that part of it, that concerns either mens own souls, or the souls of others, how is all the unregenerate mankind dead? It is the work of a godly man only to serve the brethren by love: only the members of Christ, can in their calling deny profit and pleasure, and make the particular calling serve the general: but especially in the combat against concupiscence, only the godly do make conscience of it.
And as for righteousnesse, in that part of it, that concernes either mens owne soules, or the soules of others, how is all the vnregenerate mankinde dead? It is the worke of a godly man only to serue the brethren by loue: onely the members of Christ, can in their calling denie profit and pleasure, and make the particular calling serue the generall: but especially in the combat against concupiscence, onely the godly doe make conscience of it.
And howsoever in the matter of holy duties, there are strange imperfections in the very godly, yet their desire, prayer, purpose, and endeavour, is to approve themselves to God herein, and they do attain to it, in some comfortable beginnings, and they go on with a holy increase, both of strength and desire. Whereas it is evident by divers Scriptures, that wicked men are dead men in the former respects, as would appear if we should examine particularly: for they seek not God*. They respect not the word of God arightx: nor can they love the brethreny. Though they be smitten, yet they will not sorrow after Godz. And for the most part, they are lukewarm without true zeala. Their ⟨p. 56⟩