A89915:39
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.
Thus also of Love.
Thus also of Loue.
Thus I have showed the excellent completeness of this worthy scripture: it remains that I declare some of the reasons that have emboldened me to make choice of your Honours names for the dedication of my exposition upon this scripture. Three things swaying Godly men in like case, have compelled me, protection, observance, and thankfulness. the preaching of this doctrine, as by the mercy of ⟨image 29⟩God it wrought abundant consolation and comfortable reformation in many hearers, so did it seldom rest from the assaults and calumnies, which one while profaneness, another while envy poured out upon it. Great cause there is therefore that it coming out now to a more public view, should seek shelter: and of whom should I seek it or hope for it sooner then of your Honours, who are pleased by your daily countenance to assure me a just patronage? For the second, to omit the high reputation which the religious eminency of both your ancestors hath set your Honours in, and the praises of many singular endowments and gifts, in which you do worthily excel: there are two things wherein your Honours daily win a great increase of observance; the one is piety towards God, the other mercy towards the poor. The loins of the poor daily bless your Honours, and their mouths daily pray for you. Your piety is many ways expressed: to omit many undoubted proofs of it, your Lordship hath much confirmed the persuasion of your religious disposition by your daily and affectionate respect of the word of God and prayer in private, since the Lord hath made you less able to resort more frequently to the public assemblies. And Madam, what thanks can we ever sufficiently give unto God for that rare and worthy example, with which your Ladyship doth comfort and encourage the hearts of many, in your care of Gods sabbaths, & in your never-failing attendance upon the ordinances of God, with the congregation, morning and evening, not only in your own person, but with your whole family. For the third, I do ingenuously profess before God and men, that I hold my obligation unto your Honours in the just debt of service and gratitude to be so great, as the labour here employed is no way answerable to a meet discharge, no though it had bin taken only for your Honours use;