A89915:2556
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 of all this, may be both for reproof & for instruction. For reproof of many men, that are fearfully soured with this leaven, they do not only let the Sun go down upon their wrath, but they let the Sun go his whole course, and can find no time from the one end of the year unto the other, to compound and lay aside their discords. Nay so hath malice seated it self in some dogged and spiteful natures, that it seemeth to proclaim, it will never loose possession, till the devil the father of malice hath full possession both of soul and body. But let every godly mind be persuaded to avoid this monstrous sin, yea let us strive to avoid the very beginning of it, or if nature have such corruption, that for the present we cannot get our hearts rid of all secret poison of dislike, let us be sure we be but children in maliciousness: it is a monstrous wickedness to have a head that is exercised to strife, and a heart that hath a kind of sinful dexterity, in framing and plodding for malicious courses. And thus much of malice.
The vse of all this, may be both for reproofe & for instruction. For reproofe of many men, that are fearefully sowred with this leauen, they doe not onely let the Sunne goe downe vpon their wrath, but they let the Sunne goe his whole course, and can finde no time from the one end of the yeere vnto the other, to compound and lay aside their discords. Nay so hath malice seated it selfe in some dogged and spightfull natures, that it seemeth to proclaime, it will neuer loose possession, till the deuill the father of malice hath full possession both of soule and body. But let euery godly minde be perswaded to auoide this monstrous sinne, yea let vs striue to auoide the very beginning of it, or if nature haue such corruption, that for the present we cannot get our hearts rid of all secret poyson of dislike, let vs be sure we be but children in malitiousnesse: it is a monstrous wickednesse to haue a head that is exercised to strife, and a heart that hath a kinde of sinfull dexteritie, in framing and plodding for malitious courses. And thus much of malice.
Cursed speaking] The word in the original, is [Greek or Hebrew], blasphemy. Now blasphemy or cursed speaking, it is a sin either against piety, or against righteousness. As it is against piety, it is blasphemy to reproach, or reason against the person or nature of God: or against the providence and works of God: or against the worship of God and the means thereof; and so it is cursed speaking and a kind of blasphemy to repine at Gods works