A89915:584
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.
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 ⟨p. 63⟩urging of peremptory new scruples: modest and humble men on both sides that have sought the peace of Zion, would then have double honour.
From these words (the beloued, our fellow-seruant,) I obserue, first, that common affliction for the cause of God, workes in men tendernesse of loue. The Prison makes a great Apostle imbrace with singular loue a poore and meane Minister; the smell of the prison, and sight of the stake, (if such times should euer come againe) would frame a better amity amongst our Churchmen; ambitious men might then lay downe their personall and guilefull eagernesse of hast and hate; and humorous men would then bee ashamed to deuise how to inlarge the dissention, by coyning new exceptions, and