A89915:2003
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.
This verse and the next contain the seventh reason of the dehortation, it is laid down in this verse and amplified in the next. The argument may stand thus: If the ceremonies were a Chirograph or hand-writing against us, when they were in force, and if now Christ have cancelled that writing, then we ought not to use them again; but such they were, for they were a hand-writing against us, and Christ hath removed them by fastening them upon the cross, therefore we ought not to revive them again: or thus, if the debt be paid and the obligation cancelled, then is it a fond course to cause the obligation wilfully to be of force again.
THis verse and the next containe the seuenth reason of the dehortation, it is laid down in this verse and amplified in the next. The argument may stand thus: If the ceremonies were a Chyrographe or hand-writing against vs, when they were in force, and if now Christ haue cancelled that writing, then we ought not to vse them againe; but such they were, for they were a hand-writing against vs, and Christ hath remoued them by fastening them vpon the crosse, therefore we ought not to reuiue them againe: or thus, if the debt be paid and the obligation cancelled, then is it a fond course to cause the obligation wilfully to be of force againe.
Hand-writing] This hand-writing is by divers diversly referred, for some think it is to be referred to the covenant with Adam; all mankind in him was bound to God, this obligation he brake and so the forfeiture, lay still upon our necks till Christ paid the debt, and cancelled the obligation. Some refer it to the law of Moses in general, and say the people did bind themselves unto it, Exod. 14. by the rites there used. This bond was forfeited by the Jews and lay upon them. Some refer it to the moral law in special, and therein we did enter into bond which was called the covenant of works: the rigour and curse of this law lieth upon all mankind, and when God sues out this bond men are carried to prison, even to the prison of hell. Some refer it to the conscience of men, and say that an evil conscience is a Chirograph, a bill of debt, and it accuseth by ordinances, that is, it taketh conclusions from the law of God to arrest, or condemn the sinner. But most usually it is referred to the ceremonial law, by some of them men did enter into bond, as by circumcision, so faith the Apostle, he that is circumcised is bound to keep the whole law,