A89915:2422
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 general consideration of the whole exhortation to mortification, should imprint this deeply in our hearts, that unless we do repent of those sins have been in our natures and lives, and be careful to flee from the corruptions that are in the world, we shall never have comfort that we are accepted with God. We should bring to the particular opening of all the verses, a mind resolved of the general. And to quicken us a little the more, to the respect of this doctrine, and to enforce the care of parting with our sins, I will briefly touch by the way some few reasons, why we should be willing to entertain §1all counsel that might show us any course to get rid of sin. First, our vices are the fruits of our corrupted nature. They arise not from any noble or divine instinct but are the effects of base flesh in us. And we should carry the thoughts of it in our minds,2 when we are inclined or tempted to vice: we should say within our selves, this evil proceeds not from any thing that might declare greatness, or true spirit in a man: what is passion, or lust, or covetousness, but the base work of the filthy degenerated flesh? Secondly, §2our vices are the only things that defile us, and make us loathsome before God and men. Tis not mean clothes, nor a deformed body, or a poor house, or homely fare, or any such thing that makes a man truly contemptible: no, no, it is only sin can defiles: and bring that which is true contempt. Thirdly, the bond and forfeiture of the law or covenant of works lieth upon the back of every man that lives in sin without repentance. For the law is given to the lawless and disobedient (as the Apostle shows) to ungodly and sinners, to whoremongers, and liars, & to all that live in any sin contrary to wholesome doctrinet. Fourthly, are not strange punishments to the workers of iniquity? is not destruction to the wickedu? what portion can they have of God from above? and what inheritance from the almighty from an high? the hearts of holy men that have considered the fearful terrors of God denounced in scripture against the vices of men, have even broke within them, and their bones have shaken, for the presence of the Lord, and for his holy word