A89915:2505
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 second main thing in this verse to be considered of, is the persons upon whom it falls, viz. the children of disobedience. And by children of disobedience he meaneth generally wicked and unregenerate men. Now wicked men are of two sorts. Some are clearly out of the Church, and have been branded in several ages with several terms of distinction: as now the Infidels, and before, all the uncircumcised Gentiles. Before the flood they were called sons of men. Now others are in the Church, and are children of God, by creation, general vocation, and external profession: but indeed are wicked and profane Esaus. The former sort were disobedient men: 2and the latter are disobedient children. 3And these disobedient children in the Church are of two sorts: for some will not be tied to live in their fathers house, but that they may the more securely sin, and wallow in all filthy abominations, they shun Gods house for the most part, and live without any conscionable subjection to any ministry. Such was the prodigal son, and such are our common swearers, drunkards, and unclean persons: nay they go further, for they speak evil of their fathers house, and slander their own mothers sons. Now the other sort live in their fathers house, they come to hear, and receive the Sacraments, they are there at bed and board, but yet they will do what they list.4 They will not be persuaded by the word, spirit, or servants of God: and so they are children of unpersuadableness: They will not believe their fathers threatenings or promises; and so they are children of incredulity: They will not conform themselves to their fathers will; and so are called children of disobedience.
1The second maine thing in this verse to be considered of, is the persons vpon whom it fals, viz. the children of disobedience. And by children of disobedience he meaneth generally wicked and vnregenerate men. Now wicked men are of two sorts. Some are cleerely out of the Church, and haue beene branded in seuerall ages with seuerall tearmes of distinction: as now the Infidels, and before, all the vncircumcised Gentiles. Before the floud they were called sonnes of men. Now others are in the Church, and are children of God, by creation, generall vocation, and externall profession: but indeed are wicked and prophane Esaus. The former sort were disobedient men: