A89915:2465
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.
1Covetousness is a spiritual disease in the heart of man, flowing from nature corrupted, and ensnared by Satan and the world, inclining the soul to an immoderate and confident (yet vain) care after earthly things, for our own private good, to the singular detriment of the soul. Covetousness I call a disease: for it is such a privation of good, as hath not only want of virtue and ⟨p. 37⟩happiness, but a position of evil in it, to be shunned more then any disease. For as the text saith, it is an evil sickness. And this disease is spiritual; and therefore it is hard to be cured. No medicine can help it, but the blood of Christ. It is not felt by the most, but hated only in the name of it. The subject where this disease is, is the heart of man. For there is the seat or palace of this vice. And therefore S. Mark hadds covetousness to those vices Saint Matthew had said did defile a man. The internal efficient moving cause of this evil, is nature corrupted. Tis a sin every man had need to look to: for mans nature is stirred with it. It is an universal quaere, Who will show us any good? iand yet I say corrupted nature, for nature of it self is content with a little: it is corruption that hath bread this disease. The external efficient causes, are the devil snaring, and the world tempting. The form of this evil is, an inclination to the immoderate and confident care of earthly things. I say inclining the soul to take in the lowest degree of covetousness. For some have their hearts exercised in it, and wholly taken up with it: their eyes and their hearts, and their tongues are full of it. Now others are only secretly drawn away with it, and daily infected with the inclinations to it. I add, moderate and confident care, because honest labour or some desire after earthly things are not condemned. Only two things constitute this vice. First, want of moderation, either in the matter, when nothing will be enough to satisfy their having, or in the measure of the care, when it is a distracting, vexing continual care, that engrosseth in a manner all the thoughts and desires of a man. Secondly, carnal confidence, when man placeth his felicity and chiefest stay and trust in the things he either possesseth or hopeth for.