A89915:446
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.
Secondly, it appears to be defective in the Objects of Love, in a chief Companion of Love, in the Parts of Love, and in the Manner of loving.
Secondly, it appeares to be defectiue in the Obiects of Loue, in a chiefe Companion of Loue, in the Parts of Loue, and in the Manner of louing.
For the first: the only men that are chiefly to be loved, and our affection to be spent upon, are the Saints; that is, such religious persons as make conscience of all their ways: but are these the men the common Protestant loves? Oh times! oh manners! what men find worse entertainment in the world then these? Is not the least endeavour after holiness chased and pursued with open hates, dislikes, slanders? Can a man refrain himself from evil, and not be made a prey? Doth there any live godly, and they persecute him not? Away false wretch: sayest thou, thou art in charity with all men, and yet canst not bear the Image of God in a child of God?
For the first: the onely men that are chiefly to be loued, and our affection to be spent vpon, are the Saints; that is, such religious persons as make conscience of all their wayes: but are these the men the common Protestant loues? Oh times! oh manners! what men finde worse entertainment in the world then these? Is not the least endeauour after holinesse chased and pursued with open hates, dislikes, slanders? Can a man refraine himselfe from euill, and not be made a prey? Doth there any liue godly, and they persecute him not? Away false wretch: saist thou, thou art in charitie with all men, and yet canst not beare the Image of God in a childe of God?
For the second: all true Love ought to be accompanied with Faith; yea, it ought to be founded upon Faith: and therefore herein is the common love of the world defective, that a communion with men is not first sanctified by union with God. These men that boast so much of their charity never made conscience of seeking the assurance of Gods favour in Christ, neither ever travailed under the burden of their sins, so as to seek forgiveness as the true blessedness.