A89915:2031
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.
The two words note two things in the evil Angels, Excellency and Ability; Excellency, so they are principalities; Ability, so they are powers. Their excellency is two ways to be considered, 1. in themselves. 2. their sovereignty over the world. In themselves and their own nature, ever since their horrible fall, they are creatures of wonderful knowledge, swiftness, discerning, and such like.
The two words note two things in the euill Angels, Excellencie and Abilitie; Excellencie, so they are principalities; Abilitie, so they are powers. Their excellencie is two waies to be considered, 1. in themselues. 2. their soueraignty ouer the world. In themselues and their owne nature, euer since their horrible fall, they are creatures of wonderfull knowledge, swiftnesse, discerning, and such like.
An in respect of the unregenerate world they have a principality: hence called worldly rulersg, the prince of this worldh, yea and the god of this worldi. We may observe here in the holy Ghost a wonderful pattern of candour, he praiseth what is praise-worthy even in his enemies; and it may wonderfully comfort Gods children in their acceptation with God, for if God can yield these titles and acknowledge that is yet good in the very Devils, sure then it cannot be he should not like what he finds good in his own Saints, though they have many wants and sins, seeing they sin not of malicious wickedness, as the Devils do.
An in respect of the vnregenerate world they haue a principality: hence called worldly rulersg, the prince of this worldh