A89915:2514
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.
From the coherence and the general consideration of the whole verse divers things may be briefly noted. First,1 that the knowledge and meditation of a mans misery by nature is a good medicine to kill lust and covetousness: The Apostle like a wise Physician, useth here the counsel hereunto as a principal part of his direction. For in that he puts them in mind of it, it shows that they should mind it by themselves much more. For not only it will show that these sins did then abound, but the very thought of such a woeful estate will beat down & kill by degrees the vicious inclinations of nature unto such sins. Secondly, in that the Colossians can bear it to be told of their sins past, it gives us occasion to take notice of this for a truth: that where a man hath soundly repented of any sin, he can easily bear it, to be touched with the remembrance of it, and with lowliness doth endure the needful discourse concerning it. It is a notable testimony that a man hath not truly repented of sin, when he is so impatient and unquiet in the mention or remembrance of sin. If a man have a wounded arm, while it is uncured,2 the least touch of it makes a man start and cry out: but when it is whole, you may gripe it hard and yet he aileth nothing at all. So it is with our consciences in matters of sin: They are but in a miserable case that rage, and fret, and revile when the sins they have lived in are by public doctrine disgraced, or threatened. But may some one say,3 to what end doth the Apostle so often put them in mind of their sinfulness and misery past? I answer, he doth it for great reasons. For the more men think of their misery by nature, the more it quickeneth to a sense and admiration of Gods mercy that hath drawn them out of such a wretched estate. Besides it is a notable means to keep a Christian humble, and to make him watchful over a nature that by lamentable experience hath been so prone to sin: and it serves to stir up Christians to a more eager desire and diligence in using the means to advantage them in knowledge and grace. Tis now time, to redeem the time, that hath been so long lost. And it will make a child of God industrious in Gods work, seeing he hath spent so much time in the service of the devil, the world, and the flesh.
From the coherence and the generall consideration of the whole verse diuers things may be briefly noted. First,