A89915:2608
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 consideration of this doctrine of Gods image, should serve, to teach us to love and admire all that fear God, since the Lord hath graced them with this honour to be like God: it is a greater favour, then if they had resembled the noblest Princes that ever were on earth, no all the carnal men on earth in all their glory, cannot reach to that absoluteness of excellency, that is in one of the poorest of Gods servants. 2. Since the seat of this glorious resemblance of God is in the heart, it should teach us especially to look to our hearts, and keep them with all diligencex, even to be conscionably careful to see to it, what thoughts and affections are lodged there: the devil desires no more advantage, then to have liberty to erect in the heart holds for evil thoughts and sensual desires. 3. If it should be our glory to be fashioned after the image of God, then it condemns the abominable security of the most men, that are so mindless of the repair of the loss of this divine gift, and in steed thereof with so much care fashion themselves after this worldy, or after the lusts of their own and old Ignorancez, or after the wills and humours of mena. 3. How are we bound unto God for this unsearchable love, that is pleased to restore unto us this divine gift through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The consideration of this doctrine of Gods image, should serue, to teach vs to loue and admire all that feare God, since the Lord hath graced them with this honour to be like God: it is a greater fauour, then if they had resembled the noblest Princes that euer were on earth, no all the carnall men on earth in all their glory, cannot reach to that absolutenesse of excellencie, that is in one of the poorest of Gods seruants. 2. Since the seat of this glorious resemblance of God is in the heart, it should teach vs especially to looke to our hearts, and keepe them with all diligencex, euen to be conscionably carefull to see to it, what thoughts and affections are lodged there: the deuill desires no more aduantage, then to haue libertie to erect in the heart houlds for euill thoughts and sensuall desires. 3. If it should be our glory to be fashioned after the image of God, then it condemnes the abhominable securitie of the most men, that are so mindlesse of the repaire of the losse of this diuine gift, and in steed thereof with so much care fashion themselues after this world