A89915:2680
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 consideration thereof serves greatly for the reproof of that wretched distemper in many that profess the same faith and hope,1 provoking one another, and consuming one another, and by frowardness, disquieting the rest and content of others. Is it not here an express charge that we should forbear one another? Have we not here the example of Christ who did so,2 who might have had a thousand fold more just reason to upbraid, censure, or find fault, then we have, or can have. Besides this distempered peevishness, and froward misconceiving and censuring, it is bred of ill causes, for it comes either of malice or ignorance. Of malice, for love covereth a multitude of sins, especially it suspendeth doubtful actions. Of ignorance, for it is certain a wise man will keep in till afterwards, or hold it his glory to be able to pass by an offence. Further, this sin may be aggravated by the relations that are mutually between Christians. Are they not fellow-members, coheirs, fellow-citizens, partakers of the same afflictions, are they not brethren, &c. Besides is not this also a constant justice, that they that judge, are judged; they that censure, are censured; and doth not this envying, and jangling, give occasion of rejoicing to adversaries? Doth it not many times so transform Christians, that it makes them very like wicked men, when they grow so distempered that they revile their own mothers sonsh? In the fifth to the Galatians the Apostle urgeth this reproof by divers reasons, such as this. A little of the leaven of these distempers, will sour the whole lump: and those courses tend not to any good, but to the disquieting of Gods people, and it is not a small matter to trouble and vex them. Besides inasmuch as Christians have trouble enough otherwaies, it doth not become their brethren to trouble them: and we should be so far from troubling our brethren, as we should rather serve them by love, and if men will needs bite one another, let them take heed lest they be devoured one of another. Lastly, if men will not be warned, then let them know the Judge standeth at the doori. Now that we may attain this forbearing, even to be rightly ordered towards the infirmities, or wrongs of others, we must labour to get more Christian love of others;