A89915:2626
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.
1. In that he prescribes the mortification of vices, before the exercise of graces, it shows that till vice be mortified, grace will not grow nor prosper, the true reason why many men thrive no better in the gift of Gods spirit, is because they are so little and so slightly in confessing and bewailing of their corruptions of heart and life.
1. In that he prescribes the mortification of vices, before the exercise of graces, it shewes that till vice be mortified, grace will not grow nor prosper, the true reason why many men thriue no better in the gift of Gods spirit, is because they are so little and so sleightly in confessing and bewailing of their corruptions of heart and life.
2. In that he rests not in the reformation of vices, but prescribes also rules of new obedience, it shows that it is not enough to leave sin, but we must be exercised in doing good. It will not serve turn for the husbandman, that his fruit trees bear no evil fruit, but he will cut them down if they bring not forth good fruit, barrenness is cause great enough of hewing down.
2. In that he rests not in the reformation of vices, but prescribes also rules of new obedience, it shewes that it is not enough to leaue sinne, but wee must be exercised in doing good. It will not serue turne for the husbandman, that his fruit trees beare no euill fruit, but hee will cut them downe if they bring not forth good fruit, barrennesse is cause great enough of hewing downe.
3. Men that are truly renewed after the Image of Christ are willing to be appointed and prescribed, for the attaining and exercise of every holy needful grace and duty, he that hath true experience of the beginning of any true grace, hath a true desire, and a willing endeavour, and a just estimation of all grace. For as he that repents of one sin loves no sin, so he that travels in the birth of any grace desires all grace, so far as in conscience he knows them to be required of God, and in some degree, except it be in the time of violent temptations, or that the loss of the means occasion any deadness or faintness, in the desires of the heart, or that there be a relapse into some presumptuous sin after calling.