A89915:2413
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.
The consideration of this glory may serve for divers uses. First let us all pray unto God upon the knees of our hearts, from day to day, that as he is the father of glory, so he would give unto us the spirit of revelation, that the eyes of our understanding might be enlightened to know in some comfortable measure, and that we might be able with more life and affection to meditate of the ⟨p. 26⟩exceeding riches of this glory rand inheritance to come. Our hearts are naturally herein exceeding both dull and blind, marvellous unable with delight and constancy to think of these eternal felicities: and this comes to pass by the spiritual working of Satan, and the deceitfulness of sin, and too much employment and care about earthly things. But a Christian that hath so high a calling, and hopes for such a glorious end, should not allow himself in that deadness of heart; but as he gaineth sense by prayer in other gifts of grace, so should he strive with importunity and constancy, wrestling with God, without intermission, so as no day should pass him, but he would remember this suit unto God, till he could get some comfortable ability to meditate of this excelling estate of endless glory. Secondly, this should make us to be patient in tribulations, and without murmuring or grieving, to endure hardnesst, and temptations in this world: for they are but for a seasonu, though they be never so manifold or great: and the afflictions of this present life are not worthy of the glory to be revealedx. Though we might be dismayed while we look upon our crosses, and reproaches, and manifold trials, yet if the Lord let us have access unto this gracey, to be able soundly to think of the glory to come, we may stand with confidence, unappalled, and with unutterable joy look up to the glory we shall shortly enjoy, when the trial of our faith being more precious then the gold that perisheth, shall be found unto honour and praise through the revelation of Jesus Christ