A89915:587
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, that to be Gods Servant is an high dignity: it is here the special glory of an Apostle, and was acknowledged and proclaimed to be the best part of a Kings title, Psal. 36. the title of it. Which may serve for comfort to poor Christians: they can get no Wealth, offices, nor Honours in the world; but here is their joy, they may get to be Gods servants, which is better and more worth than all Honour. Besides, it condemns the aspiring of the Clergy: yet when they have done all they can to make themselves great men, he is a better man in Gods books, that by faithful service can win souls to God, then he that by his money or pains can only purchase many livings and great dignities to himself.
Thirdly, that to be Gods Seruant is an high dignitie: it is here the speciall glory of an Apostle, and was acknowledged and proclaimed to be the best part of a Kings title, Psal. 36. the title of it. Which may serue for comfort to poore Christians: they can get no Wealth, offices, nor Honours in the world; but here is their ioy, they may get to bee Gods seruants, which is better and more worth than all Honour. Besides, it condemnes the aspiring of the Cleargie: yet when they haue done all they can to make themselues great men, hee is a better man in Gods bookes, that by faithfull seruice can winne soules to God, then he that by his money or paines can only purchase many liuings and great dignities to himselfe.
Which is for you a faithful Minister, or Deacon.] Concerning the word [Greek or Hebrew], rendered Minister, it is expressly a Deacon: and it is a title of Office, Service, or Administration, given sometimes to Christ, he is called, The Deacon of Circumcisionu; sometimes to Magistratesx; yea, sometimes to Womeny