A89915:268
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.
1First, of the Objects: this Faith may be perceived by that which it carrieth the mind unto, and from which it seeketh the comfort of the chief. good: and thus the object is three-fold.
1First, of the Obiects: this Faith may be perceiued by that which it carrieth the minde vnto, and from which it seeketh the comfort of the chiefe. good: and thus the obiect is three-fold.
- 1The objects of Faith.The obiects of Faith.
The Merits of Christ. The Promises of God. The Providence of God.
The Merits of Christ. The Promises of God. The Prouidence of God.
So that, wouldest thou try thy Faith? consider then what it is that thou makest thy refuge, and the foundation of thy comfort. What is it that thou most laboured after? is it the assurance of Gods favour, by the application of Christ? is it the distinct applying of such and such promises of life in Scripture? dost thou live by thy Faith in the course of life? if so, thou hast met with the right Faith, without Christ it is not possible to attain the chief good, neither is it enough to believe that Christ dyed for sinners, &c. unless we labour in the day of our visitation, for the certain and particular apprehension of the efficacy and merit of Christs righteousness, for the particular assurance of Gods favour in remitting such and such our transgressions. And because it is not easy at all times to discern by the working of the Spirit of Adoption, the imputation of righteousness from Christ, therefore hath the Lord discussed the cases of conscience so comfortably in Scripture, that if men examine themselves before the conditions of Gods promises, they may find in divers of them the clear determining of their estate. Here may be justly taxed the gross over-sight and security of many, (otherwise the dear Servants of God) that are no better acquainted with the promises of life, upon the truth of which depends their happiness, and both present and future comfort. And lastly, by the same Faith, whereby the just are saved, by the self same they live in the course of life in this world: the ground of his Faith for his preservation, is the providence of his God, whiles the men of this world wonderfully please themselves in sacrificing to their nets, ascribing in their affections, the stay of their maintenance, unto their labour, friends, inheritance, &c.