A89915:578
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. 2 From the general consideration of all the words I observe.
Doct. 2 From the generall consideration of all the words I obserue.
1First, it much matters to the efficacy of the doctrine what the Ministers be: he that would profit his hearers must be; First, able to teach. Secondly, he should be beloved, not a man against whom the hearts of the people had conceived uncurable prejudice, or such a one as was scandalous. Thirdly, he had need to be a fellow-servant, one that will draw with others. Fourthly, he must consecrate his service to God and the Church. Fifthly, he must be faithful. And lastly, one that will love his people.
1First, it much matters to the efficacie of the doctrine what the Ministers be: hee that would profit his hearers must be; First, able to teach. Secondly, hee should be beloued, not a man against whom the hearts of the people had conceiued vncurable preiudice, or such a one as was scandalous. Thirdly, hee had neede to be a fellow-seruant, one that will draw with others. Fourthly, hee must consecrate his seruice to God and the Church. Fiftly, he must be faithfull. And lastly, one that will loue his people.
- 1What a Minister should be.
Doct. 2 Secondly, Ministers of greater gifts, or places, or learning, may here learn how to carry themselves towards their fellow-Ministers: Paul commends Epaphras, confirms and countenances his doctrine, and gives him the right hand of fellowship. Which example much condemns the haughty pride and arrogancy of many great Clergy-men, in whose eyes their brethren are despised; sometime swelling against them with envy, sometimes openly pursuing them with censures, especially if God bless their labours with any good success; easily setting out with the foremost to detract from their just praises for gifts, sincerity, or pains: woe and a fall will be to the great pride of Clergy-men.