A89915:240
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.
There are many reasons scattered in Scripture,1 to incite us to Thankfulness: first, because it is a special part of Gods worship, or one way by which we yield worship to God. Hence,2 that the Apostle accounts it a great loss, if the people cannot say Amen, when the Teacher blesseth in the spirit, or giveth thanks. Again, when he would exhort them to liberality, he urgeth ⟨p. 20⟩them with this reason, that the supplying of the necessities of the Saints would cause much thanksgiving to God,d. And in the 4. of the 2. of Corin. he showeth that the thanksgiving of many would breed both a plenty of grace, and an abounding of much praise to God. Secondly, the Apostle having dehorted the Ephesians §2from Fornication and all Uncleanness, and Covetousness, Filthiness, Jesting, and foolish Talking; he addeth, but rather use giving of Thankse. As if he would note, that thankfulness for Gods Blessings and Graces duly performed, §3would preserve them from the filth and power of these base vices. Besides, it is a thing that becometh the Saints, nothing better. Thirdly, it is a sign of three worthy things, wherein it behooveth every man to be well assured: first, it is a sign of a heart that hath rightly received Christ, and is firmly rooted, built, and stablished in the Faithf. Secondly, if men in all things let their requests be showed unto God with givings of thanks, it is a sign of the peace of God, even that the peace of God that passeth all understanding, will preserve their hearts and minds in Christ Jesusg. Thirdly, it is a sign, nay, a very means of a contented mind. He that can pray unto God for what he wants, and is able thankfully to acknowledge what he hath in possession or promise, he will in nothing be careful,