A89915:2660
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 use may be both to humble and to teach. Certainly the failings of the best of us may much abase us, and the knowledge of it that God requires it should teach us to make conscience of it by prayer and holy striving with our natures to endeavour to express this fairness and kind conversing, since religion requires courtesy as well as piety, we should labour to be unrebukeable therein also, especially we should put on this virtue in using means to win others to the truth.
The vse may be both to humble and to teach. Certainely the failings of the best of vs may much abase vs, and the knowledge of it that God requires it should teach vs to make conscience of it by praier and holy striuing with our natures to endeauour to expresse this fairenesse and kinde conuersing, since religion requires curtesie as well as piety, wee should labour to be vnrebukeable therein also, especially we should put on this vertue in vsing meanes to winne others to the truth.
Here also we may see the vanity of their aspersion that say religion will make men stoical and uncivil.
Here also we may see the vanity of their aspersion that say religion will make men stoicall and vnciuill.
Yet least any should mistake,1 we must know that courtesy hath not in it the honouring of evil men, or the rejoicing at the evils of any man, or a promiscuous respect of all both good and bad alike, no nor of all good alike in the measure of manifestation, nor hath it an openness in unadvised communicating of secrets to all, nor a lightness of familiarity in contracting an inward friendship, without due respect of the disposition and conversation of the parties.