A89915:2810
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.
1Ans. The beginning of the word is truth, and men should find by experience the contrary to their fears, if they in sincerity sought unto God in the word; and as for ill memory, we must know, that a good memory is the gift of God, ⟨p. 97⟩as well as a good heart, and no man hath it naturally, wicked men may have large memories, but not sanctified to contain holy things: and therefore if men would seek to God in uprightness of desire: whatsoever they lost, yet the judgement or answer of God in the word preached, or by reading or conference, (which resolveth their doubts, pointeth at the means to redress their corruptions, &c.) should not be wholly forgotten. The judgements of his righteousness endure for ever, that part of knowledge that particularly answers their desires, or the experience of their want in themselves, this shall be deeply imprinted in them by God, so as the virtue thereof shall never be lost. To conclude seeing the holy Ghost requires all careful entertainment of the word, we should do that unto it that we would do for the entertaining of some great man into our houses. 1. make clean the room of our hearts: purge out hypocrisy, malice, &c. 2. When the word is come in molest it not, take heed of strange affections, passions and lusts. 3. Receive it with joy and express all the signs of joy.