A89915:556
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.
Before I pass from these words, it is to be observed, that he saith not they were fruitful, or increased: but the word is fruitful, &c. To note that when men have given their names to the Gospel, that which befalleth them is said to befall the Gospel: partly, because what good men do, they do it by direction from the Word, and assistance of the spirit of Christ: and partly because the world attributes what is done by professors of the word, to the word they hear: if their lives be full of good fruits, the word of God is glorified, but if they be any way vicious, the word is blasphemedn. Then they say, this is their preaching, this comes of gadding to Sermons, and tossing of their Bibles, &c. The Use is both for Instruction and Comfort. For Instruction, therefore Gods Children should work out their salvation with fear and trembling, and labour to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, living inoffensively, and holding forth the word of life in all holy conversation, ⟨p. 58⟩shining as lights in the middest of a froward and crooked Nationo. For Comfort also, because the Lord is pleased to communicate the honour of his word to his people, so as where the word is in credit, they shall be in credit, and if they be despised, they are not despised alone, but the Word is despised with them.
Before I passe from these words, it is to bee obserued, that hee saith not they were fruitfull, or increased: but the word is fruitfull, &c. To note that when men haue giuen their names to the Gospell, that which befalleth them is said to befall the Gospell: partly, because what good men do, they doe it by direction from the Word, and assistance of the spirit of Christ: and partly because the world attributes what is done by professors of the word, to the word they heare: if their liues be full of good fruits, the word of God is glorified, but if they bee any way vicious, the word is blasphemedn. Then they say, this is their preaching, this comes of gadding to Sermons, and tossing of their Bibles, &c. The Vse is both for Instruction and Comfort. For Instruction, therefore Gods Children should worke out their saluation with feare and trembling, and labour to be filled with the fruits of righteousnesse, liuing inoffensiuely, and holding foorth the word of life in all holy conuersation,