A89915:2640
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.
Divers things may be here noted. 1. It is apparent that these graces are not natural, the shadows and pictures of them may be in natural men. And what wicked men can get is but by the restraining spirit, or by reason of natural ⟨p. 77⟩defect, or for ill ends. It is certain a man may be said to be borne,1 as well with clothes on his back, as with grace in his heart.
Diuers things may be here noted. 1. It is apparant that these graces are not naturall, the shadowes and pictures of them may be in naturall men. And what wicked men can get is but by the restraining spirit, or by reason of naturall ⟨p. 77⟩defect, or for ill ends. It is certaine a man may be said to be borne,1 as well with clothes on his backe, as with grace in his heart.
- 1Note.
2. How should the hearts of many smite them, to think of it, how they Obseru. 2 neglect this clothing of their souls with graces: They every day remember to put on apparel on their backs, but scarce any day think of putting on virtue for their hearts? Oh when thou seest thy naked body clothed, shouldst thou not remember that thy soul in it self more naked then thy body, had need of clothing also? Oh the judgement that abides many a man and woman, how excessively careful are they to trim the body, and yet are excessively careless of trimming their souls, that have so many gowns for their backs, that they have never a grace for their hearts: yea the better sort may be humbled if they search their hearts seriously: for either they want divers parcels of this holy raiment, or else they are not well fitted on them, they hang so loose many times, there is little comeliness or warmth by their wearing of these graces. But let us all be instructed to remember these graces, and by prayer and practise to exercise our selves in them, and daily to be assaying how we can put them on, till by constant use of all good means, we can grow spiritually skilful in wearing of them, and expressing the power of them in conversation, as plainly as we show the garments on our backs, resolving that these virtues will be our best ornaments, and that they are best clad that are clothed with these godly graces in their hearts.