A89915:214
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.
Grace] If Grace (that is, Gods favour, and the graces spiritual that flow from thence) be of so great worth and excellency; divers things may be inferred §1by way of profitable instruction, for our use, out of several Scriptures. First, if it be so great a privilege to obtain grace from God, we should strive to be such as are within the compass of the promise of grace;1 §2especially, we should get humble and lowly hearts: for, God gives grace unto the humble, but resisteth the stubborn, wilful, and proud sinner. Again, if Gods Love, and Christs Grace be Jewels of so great value, it should teach us, when Grace is offered in the means, or any way bestowed by Gods Spirit,2 never to receive it in vain: so as it should be tendered without effect, §3or kept without advantage; but especially, let it ever be far from us, to turn the grace of God into wantonness, 3to abuse either the promises of Grace, or the pledges of Gods Love, to become either bawds for perseverance §4in sin, or props to secure and bold presumption. And above all things we should with all watchfulness take heed of wronging the Spirit of Grace, 4either by resisting, tempting, greening, quenching, or despising §5it. And further; we should learn by all good means, as constant hearing,5 prayer, reading, conference, and meditation, to stir up the Graces given us, to labour for spiritual strength in Grace, and to search so carefully into the evidence of Faith, for what we have, and Hope, for what we want, as never to give over to examine our selves by the signs and promises §6of Gods Love, till our hearts were settled and stablished in Grace. Lastly, Gods Children should solace themselves in the feeling and experimental knowledge of Gods grace;