A89915:2466
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.
I add, yet vain, because let the covetous person, bestow never so much care, or attain to never so much success of his cares, yet as Solomon saith, He that loveth silver, shall not be satisfied with silver▪ and he that loveth riches, shall be without the fruit thereofk. And after all his travel, his riches may perish whiles he looks on, or if they were more sure to continue, yet he shall not continue with them himself. For as he came forth of his mothers belly, he shall return naked, to go as he came, 2and shall bear nothing away of his labour, which he hath caused to pass by his hand. 3In all points as he came, so shall he go, and then what profit hath he that he hath travelled for the wind? The object of this care and desire is earthly things: for if it were a covetousness or desire of the best things, or spiritual gifts, that were both commended and commandedl. These words, for his own private good, note the end of the covetous mans care. For if all this care for earthly things were for Gods glory, or the good of the Church, it might be allowed. And I say for his good, because that he propounds to himself, though many times when he hath gotten much together, the Lord will not let him have the use of it. Note the best thing in the description, is the effect of covetousness,5 and that is the singular detriment of the soul, which may appear diversly. For first covetousness doth infatuate and besot the mind of man, that it cannot understand. The Prophet Isaiah saith of those dumb & greedy dogs, that they could not understand, and he giveth the reason: For (saith he) they all look to their own way, every one for his advantage and for his own purpose and profitm. And Solomon seems to say, that if covetousness be in the heart of a Prince, it will make him destitute of understandingn