A89915:2365
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.
VERS. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
VERS. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appeare, then shall yee also appeare with him in glory.
These words contain the second motive to persuade to the meditation of heavenly things.1 If men would consider of the certain and glorious appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, when he shall come to take account of all the actions of all men, and put an end to all the earthly felicities which man hath with so many inventions sought; and withal but think how unavailable all earthly things will be at that day, either to deliver from the terror of the judgement, or the horror of the everlasting misery will certainly follow (if men be not more careful to provide for their souls before-hand, by following the study of better things) but especially if men would consider the great gain and profit that godliness at that day will bring, and the incomparable glory that all heavenly minded Christians shall then be exalted unto. The thought of these things daily and truly laid unto mens hearts would much excite and stir up to a constant care of preparing our selves against that day; and would greatly wean us from the cares and delights in these transitory and earthly things here below, that will so little avail the owners in the day of death, and will be of so little use in that immortal estate unto which after this judgement the godly shall be translated. So that these words offer two things to be entreated of. First, the glorious appearance of Christ. Secondly, the glorious appearance of the Christian in the day of Christ.
THese words containe the second motiue to perswade to the meditation of heauenly things.1 If men would consider of the certaine and glorious appearance of the Lord Iesus Christ, when he shall come to take account of all the actions of all men, and put an end to all the earthly felicities which man hath with so many inuentions sought; and withall but thinke how vnauailable all earthly things will be at that day, either to deliuer from the terror of the iudgement, or the horror of the euerlasting miserie will certainly follow (if men be not more carefull to prouide for their soules before-hand, by following the studie of better things) but especially if men would consider the great gaine and profit that godlinesse at that day will bring, and the incomparable glory that all heauenly minded Christians shall then bee exalted vnto. The thought of these things daily and truly laid vnto mens hearts would much excite and stirre vp to a constant care of preparing our selues against that day; and would greatly weane vs from the cares and delights in these transitorie and earthly things here below, that will so little auaile the owners in the day of death, and will bee of so little vse in that immortall estate vnto which after this iudgement the godly shall be translated. So that these words offer two things to be intreated of. First, the glorious appearance of Christ. Secondly, the glorious appearance of the Christian in the day of Christ.