A89915:2016
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.
These words are an amplification of the former, wherein he showeth that not only the Bill in which we were made infinitely indebted, was cancelled; but the devils also (who had power to serve executions upon us, and proof ⟨p. 69⟩from the ceremonial Law, as is before declared) mightily conquered by Christ; and therefore to revive again the ceremonies, was to renew the bond, and to stand still in danger of the Devils executions.
THese words are an amplification of the former, wherin he sheweth that not only the Bill in which we were made infinitely indebted, was cancelled; but the deuills also (who had power to serue executions vpon vs, and proofe ⟨p. 69⟩from the ceremoniall Law, as is before declared) mightily conquered by Christ; and therefore to reuiue againe the ceremonies, was to renue the bond, and to stand still in danger of the Diuels executions.
The words are a most portly and deep allegory, and they carry news of a remarkable victory: the battle was fierce, cruel, prodigiously difficult, bloody on the best side, and if Christ had been a jot less then he was, there had been no remedy, nor hope. The battle was first fought between Satan and man, with a depth of fraud and cruelty, and hellish invisible spite:1 the day was lost, man with the woeful issues of the conquest, was either cast down wallowing in blood, or scattered with pursuing cruelty: no sooner sprouting in the life of nature, but smitten with the venom of spiritual infection, plagued with the bondage of more then cruel servitude, not pitied, not helped: more forfeitures laid upon him then he could find words to acknowledge. Now one man cometh into the field in the right of millions, (that could not stand in their own quarrel) challengeth the victors, with singular compassion calleth back the scattered, raiseth a mighty expectation, exposeth himself to the danger, with incredible fury is encountered, one with millions or legions of Devils, of incomprehensible rage, and long beaten experience, and the infinite anger of God was kindled against this one man as a surety for the rest.