A89915:2704
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 virtues that ought to reign at all times, are love, peace, and thankfulness. Of love in this verse, which the Apostle sets out as the most noble, ample, and profitable of all the virtues. Two things are here to be considered: First, the dignity of love, where he saith, Above all put on love &c. Secondly, the use of it, it is the bond of perfectness.
THE vertues that ought to raigne at all times, are loue, peace, and thankfulnesse. Of loue in this verse, which the Apostle sets out as the most noble, ample, and profitable of all the vertues. Two things are here to be considered: First, the dignitie of loue, where he saith, Aboue all put on loue &c. Secondly, the vse of it, it is the bond of perfectnesse.
Above all these] Some read, with all these. Some read, for all these, meaning that all the former do flow from this, and therefore we should get love that we might be merciful, humble, &c. And so it would import that we should get love, that we might approve our selves, that these are not mere complements, or dissembled offices, or things taken up for wrong ends.
Aboue all these] Some read, with all these. Some read, for all these, meaning that all the former doe flow from this, and therefore we should get loue that we might be mercifull, humble, &c. And so it would import that we should get loue, that we might approue our selues, that these are not meere complements, or dissembled offices, or things taken vp for wrong ends.
But most properly and commonly it is read as here, Above all these. 1And so notes the dignity of love above all other virtues, for it is indeed more excellent, both in respect of causation, as they say in Schools, because it begets the rest as the efficient cause, and for the preservation of it other virtues are practised, or the final cause of them: as also it is above the rest in acceptation, whether we respect God or men. And thirdly, it is above the rest in respect of continuance