A89915:583
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, he is a true member of the Church that can show sound grace and knowledge, learned of the Teachers of the Church. It is neither the account of the world, nor profession of true Religion, nor coming to Church, demonstrates necessarily a true member of the Church, but the effectual subjection of the soul to be formed and wrought upon by the Ministry of the Word.
Secondly, he is a true member of the Church that can shew sound grace and knowledge, learned of the Teachers of the Church. It is neither the account of the world, nor profession of true Religion, nor comming to Church, demonstrates necessarily a true member of the Church, but the effectuall subiection of the soule to be formed and wrought vpon by the Ministery of the Word.
Thirdly, it is an ordinary infirmity in the better sort of hearers that in many points they receive Doctrine upon the credit of the teachers, yielding no other reason, but Epaphras taught so; which should awaken affection and conscience in Ministers, out of the fear of God, and sound and infallible knowledge and premeditation to deliver what they do deliver, and to utter nothing for certain but the word of God.
Thirdly, it is an ordinary infirmity in the better sort of hearers that in many points they receiue Doctrine vpon the credit of the teachers, yeelding no other reason, but Epaphras taught so; which should awaken affection and conscience in Ministers, out of the feare of God, and sound and infallible knowledge and premeditation to deliuer what they doe deliuer, and to vtter nothing for certaine but the word of God.
From these words (the beloved, our fellow-servant,) I observe, first, that common affliction for the cause of God, works in men tenderness of love. The Prison makes a great Apostle embrace with singular love a poor and mean Minister; the smell of the prison, and sight of the stake, (if such times should ever come again) would frame a better amity amongst our Churchmen; ambitious men might then lay down their personal and guileful eagerness of hast and hate; and humorous men would then be ashamed to devise how to enlarge the dissension, by coining new exceptions, and