A89915:2192
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.
Show of wisdom] There is a wisdom only in appearance, and in mens account in name only. Some men have wisdom, other have the praise of wisdom. But in matters of conscience and religion, it is dangerous for man to lift up himself in his wisdom, or to admit the varnish of carnal reason. The wisest worldly men are not always the holiest, and most religious men, Oh that there were an heart in us, indeed to acknowledge and to seek the true wisdom that is from above.
Shew of wisdome] There is a wisdome only in appearance, and in mens account in name onely. Some men haue wisdome, other haue the praise of wisdome. But in matters of conscience and religion, it is dangerous for man to lift vp himselfe in his wisdome, or to admit the varnish of carnall reason. The wisest worldly men are not alwaies the holiest, and most religious men, Oh that there were an heart in vs, indeed to acknowledge and to seeke the true wisdome that is from aboue.
The colours cast upon their traditions were three. 1. Voluntary religion. 2. Humbleness of mind. 3. The taming of the body: All these as base varnish, to smear over mens insolent wickedness, are here rejected. Which may confirm us in the detestation of popery, even in that wherein it makes the greatest show: What are their works of supererogation, their vows of single life, their canonical obedience, their wilful poverty, and the like, what can be said or showed in their praise, which was not pretended for these traditions? The Apostle here gives warning, let not men be deceived, these fair pretences of our Papists, are but the old objections of the false Apostles, new varnished over again by the Pope, and his vassals: Oh that our seduced multitude would consider this? then would they not be thus led to hell with their fair shows.
The colours cast vpon their traditions were three. 1. Voluntarie religion. 2. Humblenesse of minde. 3. The taming of the body: All these as base varnish, to smeire ouer mens insolent wickednesse, are here reiected. Which may confirme vs in the detestation of popery, euen in that wherein it makes the greatest shew: What are their workes of supererogation, their vowes of single life, their canonicall obedience, their wilfull pouerty, and the like, what can be said or shewed in their praise, which was not pretended for these traditions? The Apostle here giues warning, let not men be deceiued, these faire pretences of our Papists, are but the old obiections of the false Apostles, new varnished ouer againe by the Pope, and his vassals: Oh that our seduced multitude would consider this? then would they not be thus led to hell with their faire shewes.