A89915:2409
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.
Use 3 Thirdly, this may be a singular comfort to all mortified and penitent Christians: they may lift up their heads, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious; for the Lord shall then come to be glorified in his Saints, and made marvellous in all them that believem. Ob. 2But the terror of the day may amaze a Christian. Sol. 3There is no spark of terror in this doctrine to a godly mind. For what should he fear, if he either consider the favour of the Judge, or the manner of the judgement? For the Judge is he that hath been all this while their advocaten, to plead their suits by making intercession for them. And therefore when he comes to sit in judgement, he cannot go against his own pleading. He is their brother, and carries a most brotherly affection; and will he condemn his own brethren? He is their head, and hath performed all the offices ⟨p. 25⟩of a head unto them, and can he then fail them, when they have most need of him? nay it is he that hath been judged for us on earth, and will he judge against us in heaven? What shall I say? He died for us to show his undoubted love, even that he might redeem us as a peculiar people to God, and will he fail us in the last act, when he should once for all accomplish his redemption for us? Besides, he hath already promised to acquit us in that day, and it hath been often confirmed both in the word, and the Sacraments, and prayer: he hath left many pledges of his love with us, and therefore it were shameful unbelief to doubt his terror. What though he be terrible to wicked men? yet by judging in severity he hath not nor cannot lose the goodness of his own mercy: what should we fear him judging in his power, when we have felt salvation in his name? Besides, the manner of the judgement shall be in all righteousness and mercy. Thou shalt not be wronged by false witnesses, nor shalt thou be judged by common fame or outward appearance: the Judge will not be transported with passion or spleen, nor will he condemn thee to satisfy the people: and besides there shall be nothing remembered but what good thou hast sought or done; and not the least goodness but it shall be found to thy honour and praise at that day.