A89915:2664
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.
Humbleness of mind.] I shall not need to show that humility, or this humbleness of mind is required. For it is plain in the text, but rather I would ⟨p. 80⟩consider what it is,1 and then make use of it. And first I consider of it negatively, by showing what it is not. It is not silliness, arising out of the ignorance of a mans place or gifts, nor is it any careless disregard of a mans self, nor every abasing of a mans self, for wicked men to compass their ends can humble themselves to hell p. Nor is it a will-worship when a man by voluntary religion layeth hard things upon his body; thus it was no humility, to forbear touching, tasting, handling, or upon pretence of unworthiness to employ the Kings son, to bring in mediation of Angels or Saints, as inferiors in the courtq. Nor is it complementall courtesy, for we see that may be in greater exactness in men, and yet monstrous pride and malice belodged in mens hearts. Nor is it any counterfeit submissiveness, as when some men scorn to refuse offices, and yet fret afterward when they go without them, or else refuse of purpose to be the more importuned. Nor is it humbleness of mind to be (with fretting) complaining of our wants, out of emulation of others; nor is it only to be humbled, for humiliation and humility differ.
Humblenesse of mind.] I shall not need to shew that humilitie, or this humblenesse of mind is required. For it is plaine in the text, but rather I would ⟨p. 80⟩consider what it is,1 and then make vse of it. And first I consider of it negatiuely, by shewing what it is not. It is not sillinesse, arising out of the ignorance of a mans place or gifts, nor is it any carelesse disregard of a mans selfe, nor euery abasing of a mans selfe, for wicked men to compasse their ends can humble themselues to hell p. Nor is it a will-worship when a man by voluntary religion layeth hard things vpon his body; thus it was no humilitie, to forbeare toucing, tasting, handling, or vpon pretence of vnworthinesse to imploy the Kings sonne, to bring in mediation of Angels or Saints, as inferiours in the court