A89915:2400
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.
1The consideration of the doctrine of the last Judgement, may serve for three principal uses. First, for terror. Secondly, for comfort. Thirdly, for instruction.
1The consideration of the doctrine of the last Iudgement, may serue for three principall vses. First, for terror. Secondly, for comfort. Thirdly, for instruction.
- 1The Uses.The Vses.
First, this is justly a wonderful terrible doctrine to wicked men, that heap up wrath against this day of wrath, and by their wilful impenitency provoke this glorious Judge. How can it but be terrible, when the holy Ghost gives warning that the Lord Jesus will then show himself from heaven, with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, to render vengeance on all those that know not God, and have not obeyed the Gospel? How can it be but terrible, when wicked men shall be punished with everlasting perdition, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power? How can it but be terrible, when they shall feel their conscience exquisitely griping them, and gnawing upon them, and when they shall see the devils to torment them, and hell to devour them; when they shall see the world burning about them, and the good Angels forcing them away, and all both men and Angels applauding their Judgement, and knowing all their sins: they must not think that the Judge will deal then as he doth now. Now he judgeth them secretly every day, but it is many times insensibly, or with lesser plagues: but then he will most openly pour upon them the full vials of his wrath. Here they are judged that they may be amended, but there their judgement shall be that they may be confounded: for there will be no place of repentance. Deceive not thy self, Christ will not come the second time as he came the first: he came then to be judged, but now to judge; he shall then be seen with terror, that was before looked upon with contempt: he showed his patience in his first coming, but now he will show his power: he appeared then in the form of a servant, but now he will appear in the form of a King, greater then all Kings. Then he professed not to judge any man, but now he proclaimeth he will judge all men. It was commonly thought if any man saw God he should die: alas, alas, how then shall these woeful wretches do that must see him in the unutterable fierceness of his ireful indignation? If the powers of heaven shall be shaken at his pleasure, oh how shall the miserable heart of the guilty sinner be rent into 1000. pieces, with unmedicinable sorrows? If Felix tremble to hear tell of judgement, what will poor Felix do when he must feel judgement, both in the sentence and execution?