A89915:1997
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.
5. That if we were used according to our deserts, God must never forgive us, it is his free grace.
5. That if we were vsed according to our deserts, God must neuer forgiue vs, it is his free grace.
The use of all may be first for great reproof of the general carelessness of the most men, that will take no pains at all to get the pardon of their sins, but wholly neglect the seeking of the assurance of it. Now this monstrous neglect of so admirable a benefit comes first from ignorance: men know not their woeful misery in respect of their sins. 2. From the hardness of mans heart, and their hearts in this point of neglect of remission of sins are hardened both by the effectual working of Satan, and by the example of the careless multitude, and by the entertainment of false opinions about it, as that it need not be sought, or cannot be known, or hereafter will be time enough to inquire: or else men are conceited in false acquaintances; either they rest in this, that Christ died for them, or that God makes promises of forgiveness in Scripture, or that their civill course of life, or their works of mercy, or piety, will make God amends &c. Again, this neglect ariseth from the forgetfulness of mans latter end, if men knew the time of the day of the Lord, they would get their pardon confirmed if it were possible, least it should come upon them unawares. Lastly, this comes from the love of sin, men are loath to leave their sins, and therefore not careful to seek forgiveness of them.
The vse of all may be first for great reproofe of the generall carelessenes of the most men, that will take no paines at all to get the pardon of their sinnes, but wholly neglect the seeking of the assurance of it. Now this monstrous neglect of so admirable a benefit comes first from ignorance: men know not their wofull miserie in respect of their sinnes. 2. From the hardnes of mans heart, and their hearts in this point of neglect of remission of sinnes are hardened both by the effectuall working of Satan, and by the example of the carelesse multitude, and by the entertainement of false opinions about it, as that it need not be sought, or cannot be knowne, or hereafter will be time inough to inquire: or else men are conceited in false acquitances; either they rest in this, that Christ died for them, or that God makes promises of forgiuenesse in Scripture, or that their ciuill course of life, or their works of mercie, or piety, will make God amends &c. Againe, this neglect ariseth from the forgetfulnesse of mans latter end, if men knew the time of the day of the Lord, they would get their pardon confirmed if it were possible, least it should come vpon them vnawares. Lastly, this comes from the loue of sinne, men are loath to leaue their sinnes, and therefore not carefull to seeke forgiuenesse of them.