A89915:602
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.
1For this cause.] Doct. When we see the Word of God beginning to work effectually in any people, and that they wax fruitful, it is the duty of all that love Zion, to bestir themselves, and cry mightily to God, with unceasing prayers for them. If it be asked what we should pray for, or wish unto them. I answer, we should pray; first that God would restrain the Devil and all wicked men, that profession be not dishonoured in the birth of it, by scandalous persons: for it is one of the first practises of the Devil, to thrust up wicked men into profession,2 that so the glory of sincerity might be darkened. Secondly, that the word might have free passage without interruption or hurtful opposition. Seldom doth powerful preaching make a division in the heap, but the Devil and devilish men strive to wring the Fan out of Christs hand, that the winnowing may cease. The Doctrine that separates the precious from the vile, and without respect of persons, yields comfort to the gracious, and terrors, as the only present portion of the profane, is exceedingly opposed of the world. Thirdly, that they may grow in grace. But, to omit other things, the Apostle here shows by his own example that we should pray; first, that they may truly know the will of God in Christ: secondly, that they be discreet and wise in carriage, as well as in understanding: thirdly, that they may walk worthy of the Lord, &c. fourthly, that they may increase in knowledge: fifthly, that they might persevere, being strengthened with Gods might: lastly, that they may lead a patient and joyful life. And we should be thus careful of the good of others, both because God requires it, and the Saints have practised it; and besides, if thou have any grace, thou standest or fallest with others, in respect of the credit of profession.
1For this cause.] Doct. When we see the Word of God beginning to worke effectually in any people, and that they wax fruitfull, it is the dutie of all that loue Sion, to bestirre themselues, and cry mightily to God, with vncessant prayers for them. If it be asked what we should pray for, or wish vnto them. I answere, wee should pray; first that God would restraine the Diuell and all wicked men, that profession bee not dishonoured in the birth of it, by scandalous persons: for it is one of the first practises of the Diuell, to thrust up wicked men into profession,