A89915:233
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.
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.
Doe.] It is not safe to put ouer good motions.1 When Paul findeth fitnesse to pray and giue thankes, he doth not omit the occasion. In spirituall things delay is alwaies dangerous, but in sinfull motions the only way many times is to deferre the execution. Many sinnes are preuented by the very benefit of taking time enough to execute them.
- 1Not safe to defer good motions. Note.Not safe to deferre good motions. Note.
Give thanks. 1] Paul gives them to understand before he comes to dispraise their vices, and the corruptions crept into the Church, that he takes notice of their praise-worthy virtues: he reserves his taxation to the second Chapter; and this course he holds with them for divers Reasons. First, to assure them of his love, and that he did it not of malice, a thing especially Reasons. 1 to be looked to in all admonitions, in family, or else-where, as well to praise for virtue, as dispraise for vice. Secondly, he holds this course to let them Reasons. 2 see that he did account them as Christians, though they had their infirmities. It is a secret corruption in the affection of the reproved to conceive that the Reprover likes them not at all. They are not fit to reprove others, that cannot love them for their virtues at the same time that they dispraise their faults: and therefore they are far short of holy affections, that say, I never liked him since I saw that fault by him. Thirdly, he did thus, that they Reasons. 3 might the more hate sin, seeing it did darken their graces, which else would more appear. Fourthly, that they might be made thankful themselves for their own graces; a shame that others should praise God for his Reasons. 4 mercies to us, and we never praise God our selves. Lastly, it carrieth with it Reasons. 5 a secret taxation of unthankfulness, as the cause of their fall: for, had they been more thankful for the sincerity of the preaching of the Gospel, and for the riches of the grace of Christ offered, the honourable opinion of the excellency and sufficiency thereof, to give all sound contentment, would have preserved them from mixing the worship of God with mens traditions, or admitting contrary doctrine, and from dishonouring the mediation of Christ with Angel-worship. Then did Popish traditions overflow, when the Scriptures were contemned, and the light of them suppressed: and in general, an unthankful man is ever a vicious man.