A89915:197
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.
Thirdly, as they are not Man and Wife, where there is no sure making by §3Contract or Marriage going before; so neither can any be in Christ, unless he be received unto the Covenant of Grace: and, as it is a mad thing in Nature, for any woman to say; Such a man is my Husband, for he is a kind man, and did cast his eye upon me, or did me a pleasure at such a time, &c. So, it is as great spiritual madness for any Soul to plead interest in Christ, when they can allege no more but his general love to man; or that he offered Grace to us in the Word and Sacraments, or that we together with the Gospel received outward blessings, or such like; when men can show no contract, no mutual intercourse between CHRIST, and the SOUL, no manner of evidence for their hopes, no witnesses from the Word, Spirit, or Children of God, for their spiritual Marriage.
Thirdly, as they are not Man and Wife, where there is no sure making by §3Contract or Marriage going before; so neyther can any be in Christ, vnlesse hee be receiued vnto the Couenant of Grace: and, as it is a mad thing in Nature, for any woman to say; Such a man is my Husband, for hee is a kinde man, and did cast his eye vpon mee, or did me a pleasure at such a time, &c. So, it is as great spirituall madnesse for any Soule to plead interest in Christ, when they can alleadge no more but his generall loue to man; or that hee offered Grace to vs in the Word and Sacraments, or that wee together with the Gospell receiued outward blessings, or such like; when men can shew no contract, no mutuall entercourse betweene CHRIST, and the SOVLE, no manner of euidence for their hopes, no witnesses from the Word, Spirit, or Children of God, for their spitituall Marriage.
Again, would a man know whether he be in Christ?1 these Comparisons likewise resolve his doubt, by a three-fold Answer: first, he is in ⟨p. 14⟩