A89915:561
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, that it is exceeding praise-worthy, and a singular mercy of God, if the word of God work speedily upon us; if we yield and stoop with the first; if it make us fruitful from the first day. This lively working of the word, first is a seal to the word it self; for hereby it is out of all doubt, that it is the true word of God, and this effectual work of Grace upon our consciences, doth fence us against a thousand objections about the Word: secondly, it is the Ministers seal; as soon as he seeth this power of Doctrine; he hath his seal from God: the fruitfulness of the people, is the Preachers testimonial*: thirdly, so soon as we find the Word to be a savour of life unto us, it becomes a seal to our own Adoption to life; and ⟨p. 59⟩therefore we should again, every man, be admonished, to take heed of delaying the time; for not only we want the testimony of our own happiness, while we live without subjecting our souls to the power of the word, but exceedingly provoke God against us: we should consider that the holy Ghost saith peremptorily, Now is the Axe laid to the root of the Tree, and every Tree that bringeth not forth fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Note that he requireth present fruit, or threateneth present executionp. Neither may we harden our own hearts with presumption, because we see not present execution upon this rebellion of man against God, and the offer of his grace: for we must know that men are cut off by more ways then one. Some are cut off by death, as an open revenge of the secret rebellion of the heart, not opening when the spirit of grace knocketh. Some are cut off by spiritual famine; God removing the means from them, or suffering them to be their own executioners, by withdrawing themselves from the means. Some men are cut off by Gods fearful Judgement, being cast into a reprobate sense. Some are cut off by Church-censures, God ratifying in Heaven, what is done in Earth by the Church.
Secondly, that it is exceeding praise-worthy, and a singular mercie of God, if the word of God worke speedily vpon vs; if wee yeeld and stoope with the first; if it make vs fruitfull from the first day. This liuely working of the word, first is a seale to the word it selfe; for hereby it is out of all doubt, that it is the true word of God, and this effectuall worke of Grace vpon our consciences, doth fence vs against a thousand obiections about the Word: secondly, it is the Ministers seale; as soone as hee seeth this power of Doctrine; hee hath his seale from God: the fruitfulnesse of the people, is the Preachers testimoniall