A89915:2406
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.
Secondly, upon the meditation of this last judgement divers lessons for Use 2 our instruction are enforced. First, it should restrain uncharitable judging and censuring one of another for less matters, especially for things indifferent. Who art thou that judgest another mans servant? he standeth or falleth to his own ⟨p. 24⟩master. Christ is the Lord of quick and dead. And therefore why doest thou condemn thy brother? or why doest thou despise thy brother? for we shall all appear before the judgement seat of Christ. Inasmuch as the Lord Jesus Christ will judge the secrets of all hearts, and give a just trial to the actions of all men, why should we forestall his judgement, or in doubtful mattersb arrogate to our selves this honour of Christ? If we could consider that we shall then every one give accounts unto God for himselfc, we should find work enough to do to look to our own score. Let us not therefore brethren judge one another any more. Secondly, are there any matters of difference amongst us? Let the Saints judge them and end themd: God will be contented to put his cause to them at the last day, (for we know the Saints shall judge the world) and therefore why should we refuse their arbitration? Thirdly, it should order and moderate our sorrows for our dead friends. We should not sorrow as people without hope, seeing we believe that all that sleep in Jesus, God will bring with hime. We shall meet together again in that day, and afterwards live with the Lord together for ever. And therefore we should comfort one another with these words. Fourthly, this summons to judgement gives a dreadful warning and admonition to the world, even to all men every where to repent. Inasmuch as God hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, by the man whom he hath appointed, whereof he hath given an assurance in that he raised him from the deadf: woe will be unto us if that day come upon us unawares, before we have made our peace, and humbled our selves before God, and by unfeigned repentance turned from all our evil ways. It is an unsearchable compassion that God shows, when he offers us this mercy, that if we will judge our selves we shall not be judged of the Lord in that day