A89915:279
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.
It may not be dissembled,1 that there are in the world many definitions or descriptions of Faith, such as do not comprehend in them that only thing which is the chief stay of thousands of the dear Servants of God; and that is, Desires, which may not be denied to be of the nature of Faith, I express my meaning thus: that when a man or woman is so far exercised in the spiritual seeking of the Lord his God, that he would be willing to part with the world, and all the things thereof, if he had them in his own possession, so that by the Spirit and Promises of God he might be assured, that the sins of his former life, or such as presently do burden his Soul, were forgiven him; and that he might believe that God were now become his God in Christ: I would not doubt to pronounce that this person (thus prising remission of sins at this rate, that he would sell all to buy this Pearl) did undoubtedly believe, not only because it is a truth (though a Paradox) that the Desire to believe is Faith: but also because our Saviour Christ doth not doubt to affirm that they are blessed that hunger and thirst after righteousness, because they shall be satisfied. And, to him that is a thirst, 2I will give to drink of the water of life freely. And David doubteth not to say, The Lord heareth the desires of his poor.
It may not be dissembled,1 that there are in the world many definitions or descriptions of Faith, such as doe not comprehend in them that only thing which is the chiefe stay of thousands of the deare Seruants of God; and that is, Desires, which may not be denied to be of the nature of Faith, I expresse my meaning thus: that when a man or woman is so farre exercised in the spirituall seeking of the Lord his God, that he would be willing to part with the world, and all the things thereof, if he had them in his owne possession, so that by the Spirit and Promises of God he might be assured, that the sins of his former life, or such as presently doe burthen his Soule, were forgiuen him; and that hee might beleeue that God were now become his God in Christ: I would not doubt to pronounce that this person (thus prising remission of sinnes at this rate, that hee would sell all to buy this Pearle) did vndoubtedly beleeue, not onely because it is a truth (though a Paradoxe) that the Desire to beleeue is Faith: but also because our Sauiour Christ doth not doubt to affirme that they are blessed that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse, because they shall be satisfied. And, to him that is a thirst,