A89915:232
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.
The Lord for his mercies sake grant, that at the length there may be found some remedy to cure the wound and heal the breach which proud contention hath made, and continued, with effects prodigious and unheard of: lest the Lord be at length provoked to plague with more fierce and cruel Judgements; and work union, at least in one furnace of common calamity: the same God, for his Sons sake, work in all that any wise love the prosperity of Jerusalem, on all sides, that they more regard the glory of God and the good of the Church, then their own greatness either of place or ⟨p. 19⟩respects amongst men, and that they may more seek the truth then victory. And as for those that neither love the truth nor peace, the Lord open their eyes and convert them, or else give them to eat of the fruit of their own ways.
The Lord for his mercies sake grant, that at the length there may be found some remedie to cure the wound and heale the breach which proud contention hath made, and continued, with effects prodigious and vnheard of: lest the Lord be at length prouoked to plague with more fierce and cruell Iudgements; and worke vnion, at least in one furnace of common calamitie: the same God, for his Sonnes sake, worke in all that any wise loue the prosperitie of Ierusalem, on all sides, that they more regard the glory of God and the good of the Church, then their owne greatnesse either of place or ⟨p. 19⟩respects amongst men, and that they may more seeke the truth then victorie. And as for those that neither loue the truth nor peace, the Lord open their eyes and conuert them, or else giue them to eate of the fruite of their owne wayes.
Do.] It is not safe to put over good motions.1 When Paul findeth fitness to pray and give thanks, he doth not omit the occasion. In spiritual things delay is always dangerous, but in sinful motions the only way many times is to defer the execution. Many sins are prevented by the very benefit of taking time enough to execute them.