A89915:2665
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.
Now that the nature of this grace may be found out, we must consider that usually it is begotten in a man by the power of the word, and follows the breaking of the heart by mortification, and declares it self both inwardly and outwardly. Inwardly humbleness of mind hath in it a sight and sense, and digested opinion of our own great unworthiness, and is nor easily stirred to great thoughts with vain applauses. It hath in it a tender sense of tentations, a hatred of hypocrisy, and a willingness to suffer afflictions, and a contentation in some measure, in what estate soever, it pleaseth God to bring a man to. Outwardly it expresseth it self both towards God and men; towards God it keeps a man lowly in the use of the means, and hath a continued fear and awful sense of Gods presences and stands not at it to be accounted vile for the service of Godt. In carriage towards men, it is not affected in words or gestures, it is not censorious, nor arrogantu, nor contentious*. It desires not open and public places: it is not swelled with praises, nor it affects not the vain praises of it self: but contrariwise, it makes a man go before in giving honour, and not to think much to equal himself with them of the lower sortx, rejoicing in the love of a poor Christian, as well as of a great man. It will make a man subject to, and thankful for admonitions, and willing to embrace the truth, though it be found in the possession of others. Finally, it is joyful upon the doing of any good, and thankful for lesser favours.
Now that the nature of this grace may be found out, we must consider that vsually it is begotten in a man by the power of the word, and followes the breaking of the heart by mortification, and declares it selfe both inwardly and outwardly. Inwardly humblenesse of minde hath in it a sight and sense, and digested opinion of our owne great vnworthinesse, and is nor easily stirred to great thoughts with vaine applauses. It hath in it a tender sense of tentations, a hatred of hypocrisie, and a willingnesse to suffer afflictions, and a contentation in some measure, in what estate soeuer, it pleaseth God to bring a man to. Outwardly it expresseth it selfe both towards God and men; towards God it keepes a man lowly in the vse of the meanes, and hath a continued feare and awfull sense of Gods presence