A89915:2842
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.
1 In respect of matter, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual songs. 2 In respect of the manner, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 In respect of matter, Psalmes, Hymnes, and Spirituall songs. 2 In respect of the manner, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The matter is here three ways to be considered: First, in the ground,1 foundation, or authority of the Psalms we use, viz. they must be the word of Christ, that is contained in the Scriptures. Secondly in the kinds of Psalms, there are many sort of Psalms in Scripture. The Psalms of Moses, David, Solomon, and other Prophets: but all are here referred to three heads; they are either Psalms, specially so called, or Hymns, or Songs, great ado there is among Interpreters, to find a difference in these; some would have Psalms to be the songs of men, and Hymns of Angels: some think they differ especially, in the manner of Music. Some are sung by voice, some plaid upon instruments; but the plausiblest opinion is not to distinguish them, by the persons that use them, or by the kind of music, but by the matter, and so they say Psalms contain exhortation to manners or holy life. Hymns contain praises to God in the commemoration of his benefits. Songs contain doctrine of the chief good, or mans eternal felicity. But I think there needs not any curious distinction: it may suffice us that there is variety of Psalms in Scripture and God allows us the use of every kind. Thirdly, the property of the Psalms, they are Spiritual, both because they are indited by the spirit, and because they make us more spiritual in the due use of them.
The matter is heere three waies to be considered: First, in the ground,1 foundation, or authoritie of the Psalmes we vse, viz. they must be the word of Christ, that is contained in the Scriptures. Secondly in the kindes of Psalmes, there are many sort of Psalmes in Scripture. The Psalmes of Moses, Dauid, Salomon, and other Prophets: but all are heere referred to three heads; they are either Psalmes, specially so called, or Hymnes, or Songs, great adoe there is among Interpreters, to find a difference in these; some would haue Psalmes to be the songs of men, and Hymnes of Angels: some thinke they differ especially, in the manner of Musicke. Some are sung by voice, some plaid vpon instruments; but the plausiblest opinion is not to distinguish them, by the persons that vse them, or by the kinde of musicke, but by the matter, and so they say Psalmes containe exhortation to maners or holy life. Hymnes containe praises to God in the commemoration of his benefits. Songs containe doctrine of the cheefe good, or mans eternall felicitie. But I thinke there needs not any curious distinction: it may suffice vs that there is varietie of Psalmes in Scripture and God allowes vs the vse of euery kinde. Thirdly, the propertie of the Psalmes, they are Spirituall, both because they are indited by the spirit, and because they make vs more spirituall in the due vse of them.