A89915:242
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.
Thirdly, for the manner of Thanksgiving, it may be found in that phrase used by the Prophets in the old Testament of Sacrificing the calves of their lipso.2 For here four things may be observed. First; it must be a dead Calf, to note that all Thanksgiving must proceed from humble and mortified minds; and therefore the Pharisees thanks did not a whit justify themp. Secondly, it must be a sacrificed Calf. Now, in the Sacrifice three things were required; an Altar, Fire, and to lay the hand upon the head of the Beast: An Altar, for not only our prayers must be made in the name of Christ, but our praises also must be tendered to God in his mediation, or they will never be accepted, no more then a Calf not laid on the Altar: neither is it enough to lay the Calf on the Altar, but Fire must be put to it: to note, that the bare throwing out of words of thankfulness, though in the name of Christ, will not serve, unless we do also get some feeling ardency and zeal to burn the Sacrifice. Thirdly, we must lay our hands on the head of the Calf; that is, in all humility we must confess our unworthiness of all the blessings or graces we give thanks for. Again, in that they offer a Calf, it signifieth that we should not offer our thankfulness to God of that that costs us nothing: we should desire to express our praise by doing some thing to further Gods worship, or relieve the necessities of others. If GOD bless us at home, we should carry a Calf to the Temple. Lastly, we must ⟨p. 21⟩not sacrifice to a strange God, when we give thanks, and that men do when they sacrifice to their nets, as the Prophet speaketh, that is,4 when men attribute the glory and praise of God to the means or second causes.
Thirdly, for the manner of Thankesgiuing, it may bee found in that phrase vsed by the Prophets in the olde Testament of Sacrificing the calues of their lipso