A89915:1916
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.
12. Here is singular comfort for such of Gods children as are afflicted in spirit, especially about the greatness of the power of sin, and the difficulties of well-doing: they should here consider, not only that it is Christs work to make them holy, but that he is pleased to resemble it to the resurrection of the body: and can it be a harder thing to put down thy sin, or to quicken thee in all well-doing, then to raise thy body out of the dust of the earth? Neither ought their terrors to amaze them: for it is Christs manner, to bring us down to the grave, that he may raise us up: the fear of hell now afflicteth thee, that thou mayest not be hurt hereafter. Besides, sin doth so cleave to us, that it will almost kill us, before we kill it. Object. But I do not see, either the graces, or duties mentioned, to be wrought in this resurrection. Answ. 1. There may be grace, though thou see it not. 2. If one saving grace be in a mans heart, it is a sign the rest be there, though not so easily discerned. 3. The spiritual age of a Christian must be distinguished, thou must not think that the graces of Gods spirit, or the power of holy duties, will appear so freshly, or so strongly in thee, whiles thou art but an infant in grace, as they will do when thou comest to be of riper years. Lastly, thy endeavour in Christ and desire, is accepted and taken for the deed: what graces thou unfeignedly desirest, and constantly usest the means to attain, thou hast; so the sin thou strivest against, thou hast not.
12. Here is singular comfort for such of Gods children as are afflicted in spirit, especially about the greatnesse of the power of sinne, and the difficulties of well-doing: they should here consider, not onely that it is Christs worke to make them holy, but that he is pleased to resemble it to the resurrection of the bodie: and can it be a harder thing to put downe thy sinne, or to quicken thee in all well-doing, then to raise thy body out of the dust of the earth? Neither ought their terrors to amaze them: for it is Christs manner, to bring vs downe to the graue, that he may raise vs vp: the feare of hell now afflicteth thee, that thou maist not be hurt hereafter. Besides, sinne doth so cleaue to vs, that it will almost kill vs, before we kill it. Obiect. But I doe not see, either the graces, or duties mentioned, to be wrought in this resurrection. Answ. 1. There may be grace, though thou see it not. 2. If one sauing grace be in a mans heart, it is a signe the rest be there, though not so easily discerned. 3. The spirituall age of a Christian must be distinguished, thou must not think that the graces of Gods spirit, or the power of holy duties, will appeare so freshly, or so strongly in thee, whiles thou art but an infant in grace, as they will doe when thou commest to be of riper yeares. Lastly, thy indeuour in Christ and desire, is accepted and taken for the deede: what graces thou vnfeinedly desirest, and constantly vsest the meanes to attaine, thou hast; so the sinne thou striuest against, thou hast not.