A89915:571
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.
Doct. 3 Thirdly, as other Doctrines, so especially the doctrine of our reconciliation with God,1 or of our particular assurance of Gods grace to us is exceeding hard, and men are strangely turned off from the right knowledge of it. This comes to pass (where it is effectually preached) because it is hindered by common hope, and by a resolution in many to part with no sin for the attaining of it; and by a natural darkness in the understanding of man in matters of the Kingdom of Christ, and by the special malice of the Devil, and by pride in other knowledges. And lastly, by an incredible averseness in our natures, that will not be brought to set time apart to mind this point seriously, and to apply our selves unto the means that might further us thereunto.2 Whereas if men were assured of Gods favour, and possessed of saving grace, the profit of the knowledge of it, would appear to be exceeding great: though the heart of man be exceeding dull, yet it could not but marvellously refresh us to think of the pardon of all our sins; yea, if we were sure of this point, and had travelled soundly about the experience of Gods grace to us in particular, it would for ever settle us in the plerophory of our religion. A man needs never care for disputes and the thousands of Volumes, about which should be the true Church or true Religion? for if a man by sound reasons from the word and Spirit of God, had gotten the assurance of Gods love, he would become as Mount Zion, that could not be moved. This also would make a man able to contemn all earthly mutations, and live in firmness of heart, in some measure, out of the fear of any afflictions, or of death it self: and besides, it would ⟨p. 61⟩preserve us from the poison and infection of earthly pleasures, and vain delights and profits. And to conclude, it is to enjoy a kind of heaven upon earth, as being an entrance into the first degree of eternal life.
Doct. 3 Thirdly, as other Doctrines, so especially the doctrine of our reconciliation with God,1 or of our particular assurance of Gods grace to vs is exceeding hard, and men are strangely turned off from the right knowledge of it. This comes to passe (where it is effectually preached) because it is hindred by common hope, and by a resolution in many to part with no sinne for the attaining of it; and by a naturall darkenesse in the vnderstanding of man in matters of the Kingdome of Christ, and by the speciall malice of the Deuill, and by pride in other knowledges. And lastly, by an incredible auersnesse in our natures, that will not bee brought to set time apart to minde this point seriously, and to apply our selues vnto the meanes that might further vs thereunto.