A89915:604
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.
And that we may be encouraged to Prayer, there are divers things that might undoubtedly persuade us to resolve of the efficacy of prayer.1 First, Gods Commandment; certainly God will not require prayer but that he means to hear itc. Secondly, The Nature of God, he is a Father, and hath the compassions of a Father. Though Abraham would not know his seed, if they had suites to him, and Jacob be ignorant of his posterity; yet God will hear and redeemd: Though a mother should forget her motherly compassions, yet God will not forget hise: and therefore if earthly fathers, that have a great deal of ill nature in them, can give good gifts to their children, and that because their children ask them, how much more shall God our Father, who is perfectly compassionate, give good things; yea, the best things, yea, the very fountain of all good, his holy Spirit, if we ask himf? Thirdly, the manner of Gods presence of grace; when we have any suites, he is not far off, or hard to come to, as earthly Princes are, and great men in world many times; ⟨p. 67⟩but he is near to all that call upon him in truthg; yea, for more assurance of this, that he is ready to receive petitions, it is said, His ears are open to the cry of the righteous: he is so far from being absent, that there is not so much as any little impediment in his ear. God is ever ready to hear, if our hearts were ready to pray. Fourthly, The property of Gods liberality; he holds it a great blemish and dishonour to his bounty, either to deny when he is asked, or to reproach when he hath given; either to except against the person, or to stick at the greatness of the gifth. Fifthly, the assistance of the spirit of Adoption; The Spirit helps our infirmities, though we know not how to pray as we ought, yet that shall not let audience; for The Spirit it self will make request for us, even in the sighs which cannot be expressed