A89915:2851
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.
Doct. In general, unto the goodness of the action a good end is essentially required;1 for though a good intention make not the action good, yet without a good intention the action cannot be accepted as good in Gods sight. It is a good thing to hear and follow Christ, but not good in the Capernaites, that follow for the loaves; or in the Pharisees, that hear to carp, or carry tales, and inform against him. It is a good action to use our knowledge, but ceaseth to be good in us, when it puffeth up, and is done for vain ostentation. It is good to receive the Sacraments; but yet Circumcision was not good, either as the sons of Jacob required it, nor as the King and his sons received it. Works of holy and religious services are good ⟨p. 103⟩but when men come to Church on the Sabbaths, to make amends for their sins on the week days, it ceaseth to be good to them. It is good to honour Gods Ministers; but where men honour them either to keep their own credit with the people, as Saul honoured Samuel, or that they may excuse them, as in the Parablee, such honour is not good. Works of mercy are good; but being done for praise of men, or to merit by them, they come under a negative precept, Give not your alms. It is good to forbear one another, but not good in such men as forbear only for want of power or opportunity to revenge: and therefore we should inform our selves better,3 and as we would have God to accept or bless us, to get good ends to our actions.
Doct. In generall, vnto the goodnesse of the action a good end is essentially required;1 for though a good intention make not the action good, yet without a good intention the action cannot bee accepted as good in Gods sight. It is a good thing to heare and follow Christ, but not good in the Capernaits, that follow for the loaues; or in the Pharisies, that heare to carpe, or carrie tales, and informe against him. It is a good action to vse our knowledge, but ceaseth to be good in vs, when it puffeth vp, and is done for vaine ostentation. It is good to receiue the Sacraments; but yet Circumcision was not good, either as the sonnes of Iacob required it, nor as the King and his sonnes receiued it. Workes of holy and religious seruices are good