A89915:2125
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 creature stands in relation to Christ: 1. More generally in existence,1 and so all things are in him, Col. 1.16. More specially in union, and so man only is joined to Christ: but this union is threefold, for it is either natural, or sacramental, or mystical. In the union of nature all men are joined to Christ: In the union of Sacrament or sign all in the visible Church are joined to Christ: In the mystical union in one body, only the faithful are joined to Christ. And this is here meant.
The creature stands in relation to Christ: 1. More generally in existence,1 and so all things are in him, Col. 1.16. More specially in vnion, and so man only is ioyned to Christ: but this vnion is threefold, for it is either naturall, or sacramentall, or mysticall. In the vnion of nature all men are ioyned to Christ: In the vnion of Sacrament or signe all in the visible Church are ioyned to Christ: In the mysticall vnion in one body, only the faithfull are ioyned to Christ. And this is here meant.
- 1Note.
And so we have here occasion again to take notice of this truth, that the Church of Christ is joined unto Christ in a most near union, even to Christ as her head. The doctrine hath been largely handled in the former chapter: only from the renewing of the meditation of it, we may gather both comfort and instruction; comfort, if we consider the love, presence, sympathy, influence, and communication of dignity with which Christ doth honour us as our head: instruction also, for this may teach us to be careful to obey Christ willingly, as the member doth the head, and to carry our selves so godly and discreetly, that we dishonour not our head.