A89915:2291
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.
Thirdly, in that he saith, if ye be risen, speaking not only conditionally but doubtfully, it imports that one should be exceeding careful to search and try whether they have their part as yet in this first resurrection: and withal implies, that many a man may seem to himself and others to be delivered from the kingdom of darkness, and yet lie buried still in the graves of sin.
Thirdly, in that he saith, if yee bee risen, speaking not onely conditionally but doubtfully, it imports that one should bee exceeding carefull to search and trie whether they haue their part as yet in this first resurrection: and withall implyes, that many a man may seeme to himselfe and others to bee deliuered from the kingdome of darknesse, and yet lie buried still in the graues of sinne.
Seek th•se things which are above] Here the Apostle enters upon the proposition of the first main exhortation, or rule of new life. Now before I bring in the Apostle urging this duty, imagine with thy self, how far the Christian (thus now to be instructed for order of life) hath already proceeded by faith; for before a man can be truly capable of direction of life, there be divers things requisite in the preparations of faith.1 And these things are necessarily to be presupposed. 1. That faith hath plucked him out of the world of sinners or dead men: so that he is already withdrawn from the society of the wicked. 2. It hath showed him Gods favour and joined him to Christ. 3. It hath showed him in some measure such things in the Kingdom §1of Christ, as his natural ear never heard, nor his natural eye never §2saw, nor his natural heart never conceiveds. 4. It hath joined him to the living §3