A89915:2637
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.
1Beloved] In this word is lodged the third Motive, which is taken from Gods love, as if the Apostle would affirm that if Christians did seriously consider what it is to be loved of God, they would find full encouragement to all grace and duty: now this may be better opened, if we consider but the properties of Gods love, wherein it wonderfully excels. As first, if God love thee it is with a free love, ohe stands not upon thy desert or worthiness. Again, he loves first, he loves before he be loved, he loved us when we hated him, he chose us when we did not choose him. 3. Gods love is wonderful tender, which will appear if we consider that he is not only gracious, but merciful, slow to anger, of much kindness, and repenteth him of the evilq. 4. Gods love is natural, not forced, and therefore he is said to quiet himself in his lover, and himself loveth mercys. Lastly, his love is an everlasting lovet, where he loveth, he loveth to the endu. And therefore we should labour to know the love of God to our selves, even to be particularly assured that we are Gods beloved or else this could not be a motive to holiness, as here it is. And besides the meditation of Gods love to us should encourage us against all crosses, for God will give his beloved rest*. They shall be blessed, and it shall be well with them. They shall be delivered, for he will help with his right handx. But especially it should hearten us against the scorns of the world, and the hate of wicked men: if God love us, it mattereth not greatly who hate us: And in special, the meditation of this love of God should teach us to tyre our selves with these worthy graces, as so many ornaments; for thus should the beloved of God be decked. And doth the Lord love us, and shall not we strive to show our love to him again? Even by loving his word, glory, children, presence and commandments. Lastly; we may here learn how to love: for God loves, First those that are holy. Secondly, those whom he had chosen: so it should be with us; first we should choose for holiness, and then love for our choice. This may teach the people how to love their Magistrates and Ministers, and so wives and servants. And contrariwise.