A89915:2523
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 use may be to teach us to enlarge our hearts in the sense of Gods goodness that hath delivered us from an estate that was in it self so fearful. Especially it may comfort us against our infirmities: that howsoever we fail by occasion, yet by Gods mercy we do not walk in sin. We proceed not from degree to degree, and from sin to sin: it is a happy time with a Christian, when he getteth victory over his sins, so as at least by degrees he gets down the power of them. And on the other side, they are in a woeful estate that have their corruptions growing upon them both for power and number, and continuance. O woe will be unto them when the master shall come and find them so doing. And thus of the first specialty.
The vse may be to teach vs to inlarge our hearts in the sense of Gods goodnesse that hath deliuered vs from an estate that was in it selfe so fearefull. Especially it may comfort vs against our infirmities: that howsoeuer we faile by occasion, yet by Gods mercy we doe not walke in sinne. We proceede not from degree to degree, and from sinne to sin: it is a happy time with a Christian, when he getteth victory ouer his sinnes, so as at least by degrees he gets downe the power of them. And on the other side, they are in a wofull estate that haue their corruptions growing vpon them both for power and number, and continuance. O woe will be vnto them when the master shall come and finde them so doing. And thus of the first specialty.
The second is, Ye lived in them] That is,1 ye set the delight of your hearts upon them. Sin was the life of your lives. None many times more lively and in greater jollity, then such as are in greatest danger of Gods wrath: and so cursedly vile is mans evil disposition, that as many men are the more sinful they are the more secure, and full of carnal liveliness. Who more frolic, then our drunkards, swaggerers, swearers, abominable filthy persons? Yea, they carry themselves, as if they had found out a life of excellency and contentment above all other men: and yet are buried in the ditches of monstrous wickedness, and are descending swiftly to their own place, hasting to the vengeance to come. Many times the holiest men are most pensive, and the vilest men, most lively.