A89915:2109
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.
1Advancing himself] The word signifieth to take possession, and to go ⟨p. 81⟩proudly, and to search hidden things with deep insight: as it is here applied, it may note in their sin three things. 1. A deep insight or out-reaching into a thing beyond ordinary knowledge. 2. A mighty approbation, or very possessing of a mans self in a peculiar content arising from his own invention. 3. An external advancing or vain-glorious priding of a mans self in his fancy. There is a strange corruption in the nature of all sorts of men, a secret inclination to devices, and reaches both in opinion and life: the Scripture gives warning of the doctrines of menk, of opposition of sciencel, of the deepness of Satanm, of transformation in evil Ministers, into Ministers of lightn, &c. And thus are men in their practise: though they commit the same foul evils they condemn in others, yet they have such devices with which they please themselves, that they are called counselso, and they are said to seek deep to hide their counsels, &c. They have their turning of devicesp. Every man almost thinks he hath some conceit which others have not, &c. such as these: Either they may do it though others might not, or the manner is different, or the issues will not be alike, or he will repent at such a time when he hath tried so far, or he will make amends, or it shall not be known, or God is merciful, or his fault is not so great as others, or the Scripture doth not condemn it in express words. These and such like conceits in themselves are dull and silly. But where the love of sin hath warmed the heart, and the devil hath put life into them, it is incredible to conceive, how miserably pertinacious men will show themselves to be; and so do men approve of their own devices, that usually there is no error or sin so vile, but men can bless themselves against any terror or threatening: and if men find their devices to have any entertainment, they will advance themselves wonderfully, and not only swell in great thoughts of themselves, but outwardly vain-glory will over-spread their carriage, words, and actions.