A89915:198
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.
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⟩Christ, if he blossom, grow, and bear fruit, even such fruit as is to eternal life. If a man be abundant in the works of the Lord; and grow in such graces as are communicated only to the faithful, he is certainly a true Plant in this Stock: for, by growing and fruit, is the Plant that is ingrafted known from the sprig that is lopped off, and lieth by, and is withered. A life barren and void of the works of Piety and Mercy, is a manifest sign that the person is not in Christ.
Againe, would a man know whether hee bee in Christ?1 these Comparisons likewise resolue his doubt, by a three-fold Answere: first, hee is in ⟨p. 14⟩Christ, if he blossome, grow, and beare fruit, euen such fruit as is to eternall life. If a man bee abundant in the workes of the Lord; and grow in such graces as are communicated onely to the faithfull, hee is certainely a true Plant in this Stocke: for, by growing and fruit, is the Plant that is ingrafted knowne from the sprigge that is lopped off, and lyeth by, and is withered. A life barren and void of the workes of Pietie and Mercy, is a manifest signe that the person is not in Christ.
- 1Who are in Christ.
Secondly, if there be in our souls the sense, and feeling, and motion of spiritual life, then are we members: for, in a wooden leg is there no sense nor natural motion. When men have as much sense and feeling, savour and delight in the things of the Spirit, as the Word, Prayer, fellowship in the Gospel, with the exercises of holy Graces in the duties of Gods worship, or things otherwise belonging to the Kingdom of Christ, as the carnal man hath in the profits,