A89915:45
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
THE ARGUMENT OF this Epistle to the Colossians.THE ARGVMENT OF this Epistle to the Colossians.
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 Proem contains two things: First, the Salutation, vers. 1, 2. and secondly, a Preface, affectionately framed to win attention and respect: wherein he assures them of his singular constancy in remembering them to God, both in Thanks-giving for their worthy Graces and the means thereof, v. 3.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. and in earnest Prayer for their increase and comfortable perseverance in knowledge and the eminency of sincerity in holy life, vers. 9.10.11.
The Proaeme containes two things: First, the Salutation, vers. 1, 2. and secondly, a Preface, affectionately framed to winne attention and respect: wherein he assures them of his singular constancie in remembring them to God, both in Thanks-giuing for their worthy Graces and the meanes thereof, v. 3.4, 5, 6, 7, 8. and in earnest Prayer for their increase and comfortable perseuerance in knowledge and the eminencie of sinceritie in holy life, vers. 9.10.11.
The Doctrine of Faith he expresseth two ways: first, by Proposition: secondly, by Exhortation. In the Proposition of Doctrine, he doth with singular force of words, and weight of matter set out both the work of our Redemption, v. 12.13.14. and the person of our Redeemer: and that first in his relation to God, verse 15. then in relation to the World, verse 15.16.17. and thirdly, in relation to the Church, both the whole in general, verse 18.19.20. and the Church of the Colossians in particular, ⟨image 30⟩vers. 21.22. And thus of the Proposition. Now his Exhortation follows, from the 23. of Chap. 1. to the end of Chap. 2. and therein be both persuades and dissuades: he persuades by many strong and moving Reasons, to an holy endeavour to continue and persevere with all Christian firmness of resolution, in the Faith and Hope, was already begotten in them by the Gospel: and this is contained in the seven last Verses of the first Chapter, and the seven first Verses of the second Chapter. He dissuades them from receiving the corrupt Doctrine of the False Apostles, whether it were drawn from Philosophical Speculations, or from the Traditions of men, or from the Ceremonial Law of Moses; and he proceeds in this order: first, he lays down the matter of his Dehortation, Chap. 2. verse 8. then secondly, he confirms it by divers reasons, from vers. 9. to 16. and lastly, he concludes, and that severally, as against Mosaical Rites, vers. 16.17. against Philosophy, vers. 18.19. and against Traditions, verse 20. and so to the end of that Chapter.