A89915:2282
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.
First, that before a man can be good in his particular calling, he must first be good in his general: thou mayst be painful and diligent, but thou canst not be every way a faithful and sound hearted husband, wife, servant, child, &c. till thou be a good man or good woman, in respect of grace and godliness. And therefore we should first seek the righteousness of Gods Kingdom, and it may serve for direction, unto such as choose wives, or servants, or the like: if they be not faithful to God, how canst thou be assured they will prove faithful to thee? moreover, wouldst thou have thy servants or children to be amended, then bring them to the powerful preaching of the word, and call upon them to get into the fellowship of the godly, that they may learn to be good abroad in matters of religion, and then thou mayst hope to find them by proof and daily experience, trusty and faithful in thy Doct. 2 business. Finally, this reproves both the sinfulness and folly of many carnal parents and masters, they never care so their servants do their work, though they altogether neglect Gods work. And many times they restrain their servants and children, and will not let them hear sermons, or come into godly company, as if that were the way to make them idle and careless: whereas we see the clean contrary to be true.
First, that before a man can be good in his particular calling, hee must first be good in his generall: thou mayst bee painefull and diligent, but thou canst not be euery way a faithfull and sound hearted husband, wife, seruant, childe, &c. till thou bee a good man or good woman, in respect of grace and godlinesse. And therefore wee should first seeke the righteousnesse of Gods Kingdome, and it may serue for direction, vnto such as chuse wiues, or seruants, or the like: if they bee not faithfull to God, how canst thou bee assured they will prooue faithfull to thee? moreouer, wouldst thou haue thy seruants or children to bee amended, then bring them to the powerfull preaching of the word, and call vpon them to get into the fellowship of the godly, that they may learne to bee good abroad in matters of religion, and then thou mayst hope to finde them by proofe and daily experience, trusty and faithfull in thy Doct. 2 businesse. Finally, this reproues both the sinfulnesse and folly of many carnall parents and masters, they neuer care so their seruants doe their worke, though they altogether neglect Gods worke. And many times they restraine their seruants and children, and will not let them heare sermons, or come into godly companie, as if that were the way to make them idle and carelesse: whereas we see the cleane contrary to be true.