A89915:2476
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.
The second is meditation. And there are divers things which being seriously thought of, may prevail against the perplexed cares of covetousness. §1As first example, and that either of godly men, and the holiest Worthies §2of the Lord, that in all ages have willingly confessed themselves to be strangers and pilgrims, looking for a City in another Country, having a foundation whose builder and maker is Godx; or else of wicked men: for it is so base a vice, that it should be found in none but Gentilesy, that know neither Gods promise nor providence: and sure it is found in none but ungodly men, that are strangers from the covenants of promise. Secondly, the nature of man: for consider,3 the soul of man is a celestial thing and divine, and hath nothing from the earth. And the body of man is erected, with a face towards heaven, and the whole earth is under mans feet, and hath its name from treading upon it, to ⟨p. 42⟩note that man should walk on it with his feet, not dote on it with his heart Thirdly, the nature of covetousness: it will never be satisfied, and how should it? For the desire of the covetous is not natural, but against nature. Natural desires are finite,4 but unnatural desires find no end, and therefore cannot be filled with the finite things of the world. Besides, earthly things are vain and empty. Now the vessel that is only full of wind is empty still for all that. So is the mind of the covetous. His heart will be no more filled or satisfied with gold then his body with wind. Hereupon it is that a covetous man is always poor, and hath not what he hath, but hath his wealth as the prisoner hath his fetters, viz. to enthral him. Fourthly, the nature, promise, and providence of God. He is a heavenly fatherz. Is he a father? why then do we doubt of his willingness to help us? And is he a heavenly father? why then do we question his all-sufficiency to provide what we need? Besides, hath he given us life, and will he not give us food to preserve life? Doth he daily provide for thousand thousands of fowls, that are base creatures? and will he not provide for man, whom he created after his own image, and made him Lord of all creatures? Doth he clothe the grass of the field, which is to day, and to morrow is cut down? and will he not clothe man? Oh the weakness of our faith!