A89915:385
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 last thing here to be inquired after is, whether it be not Vain-glory to seek fame and estimation,1 and to be heard of amongst men. Ans. It is not simply a sin to seek an honest report amongst men; let them contemn their names that mean to be allowed to live in presumptuous sin: A good name is better then riches. And Christ commandeth that our light should shine that men might see our good works. And the Apostle wills them to hold forth the light of the word of truth in the middest of a crooked and froward generation. But glory is then vain, first, when it is sought in vain things: secondly, when men seek praise for the show of that that is not: thirdly, when they make it the chief end of their actions: fourthly, when it makes men proud and vicious: otherwise it is an honest joy that comes of a good name, and a reason to bear many crosses in other things patiently, where men may support themselves with this comfort of a good Name.
The last thing here to be inquired after is, whether it be not Vaine-glory to seeke fame and estimation,1 and to be heard of amongst men. Ans. It is not simply a sinne to seeke an honest report amongst men; let them contemne their names that meane to bee allowed to liue in presumptuous sinne: A good name is better then riches. And Christ commandeth that our light should shine that men might see our good works. And the Apostle wils them to hold forth the light of the word of truth in the middest of a crooked and froward generation. But glory is then vaine, first, when it is sought in vaine things: secondly, when men seeke praise for the shew of that that is not: thirdly, when they make it the chiefe end of their actions: fourthly, when it makes men proude and vicious: otherwise it is an honest ioy that comes of a good name, and a reason to beare many crosses in other things patiently, where men may support themselues with this comfort of a good Name.