A89915:2428
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.
For when the Apostle wills men to pray always, he means not that they should do nothing ⟨p. 30⟩but pray; but he would have them to keep a set course of praying every day; and besides, to watch to all the extraordinary occasions or opportunities of prayer, which being done a Christian may be truly said to pray continually, though otherwise he follow his calling diligently. The like I say of sorrowing always. But that I may express my meaning distinctly, I think, till thou canst attain the former things,1 thou must observe these rules. First, thou must lay aside thy recreations & carnal rejoicings, for this the Apostle James imports, when he saith, Let your laughter be turned into heaviness, and your joy into mourningc. Secondly, thou must beg sorrow at Gods hand every day constantly in the times set apart for prayer, till the Lord give thee rest to thy soul by granting the things before mentioned. Thirdly, thou must not neglect the times of special fasting and humiliation, if the Lord call thereuntof. Lastly, thou must use special sobriety in the restraint of thy liberty in earthly things, and be watchful to make use of all opportunities of softening thy heart. These things being observed, thou mayst seem unto men not to sorrow, and mayst follow thy calling seriously, and yet be truly said to sorrow always. Thus of the second reason why the Apostle exhorts still to mortification.
For when the Apostle wils men to pray alwaies, hee meanes not that they should doe nothing ⟨p. 30⟩but pray; but he would haue them to keep a set course of praying euery day; and besides, to watch to all the extraordinary occasions or opportunities of prayer, which being done a Christian may be truely sayd to pray continually, though otherwise he follow his calling diligently. The like I say of sorrowing alwayes. But that I may expresse my meaning distinctly, I thinke, till thou canst attain the former things,1