A89915:2592
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.
Renewed] The knowledge of the faithful in this life, even after calling needs to be daily renewed. For sin makes a breach both in the heart and mind. And Satan plants daily temptations and objects against the doctrine of God, against which the mind needs new store of provision, out of the word, for defence. And our affections are wonderful apt to lose sense and feeling, and then there is no other way to recover sense but by renewing contemplation. And besides inasmuch as faith and repentance must be daily renewed, therefore also must examination of life, and meditation of Gods promise ⟨p. 68⟩and grace, be renewed also. Finally we know but in part and successively, and therefore ought continually to be growing and adding to the measure of the knowledge received.
Renued] The knowledge of the faithfull in this life, euen after calling needes to be daily renued. For sinne makes a breach both in the heart and minde. And Sathan plants daily temptations and obiects against the doctrin of God, against which the minde needes new store of prouision, out of the word, for defence. And our affections are wonderfull apt to lose sence and feeling, and then there is no other way to recouer sence but by renuing contemplation. And besides in asmuch as faith and repentance must be daily renued, therefore also must examination of life, and meditation of Gods promise ⟨p. 68⟩and grace, be renued also. Finally we know but in part and successiuely, and therefore ought continually to be growing and adding to the measure of the knowledge receiued.
1This may serve, 1. for information. For here we may know the necessity of daily teaching, since we need daily to be renewed in knowledge. 2. For great reproof of that negligence is every where to be found, in omission of hearing or reading the Scripture, or using of other private helps for knowledge. 3. For instruction, for it should teach us to be constant in the use of all the helps God hath commanded or afforded us. And we should bear infirmities in others, since our own knowledge is unperfect. And we should learn to be wise to sobriety, and not think our selves able to judge of every doctrine or work of God. The Lord hath laid a restraint upon us, and in this life we cannot attain a full knowledge, and therefore we should repress the itching curiosity of our natures, thirsting after forbidden knowledge. Lastly, we should resolve of the need we have to be admonished, instructed, directed, or rebuked, and therefore rejoice in it, if any will show us that mercy to smite us with rebukes, or guide us in the way.