A89915:2189
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.
Thus of the six reasons.
Now follows the objections. Though these things were not commanded in the word, yet they were wisely devised by our fathers, and therefore are to be observed. Sol. v. 23. The Apostle grants that there were three things alleged to approve the discretion of the founders of these things, and instanceth in one kind, viz. abstinence or fasting, for that he confesseth that had a show of voluntary, not coacted or forced religion. 2. Of humbleness of mind. 3. Of the taming of the body; but when he hath granted this, he doth dash all as it were with thunder and lightning, when he saith: 1. This was but a show of wisdom. 2. This sparing did with hold the honour due unto the body.
Now followes the obiections. Though these things were not commanded in the word, yet they were wisely deuised by our fathers, and therefore are to be obserued. Sol. v. 23. The Apostle grants that there were three things alledged to approue the discretion of the founders of these things, and instanceth in one kinde, viz. abstinence or fasting, for that he confesseth that had a shew of voluntary, not coacted or forced religion. 2. Of humblenesse of minde. 3. Of the taming of the body; but when he hath granted this, he doth dash all as it were with thunder and lightning, when he saith: 1. This was but a shew of wisdome. 2. This sparing did with hold the honour due vnto the body.
Observe here that it is a fair property to use candour and ingenious inquiry after the truth, and willingly to acknowledge what they see in the reasons of the adversaries, we see the Apostle fairly yields the full of the reasons, not mangling them, but setting them out distinctly, and then confutes them. It were happy if there were this fair dealing in all reasonings public and private, in print or by word of mouth, in all that profess to love the truth especially.