A89915:635
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.
Again, in the 5. of the Ephesians, Vers. 14. to 22. to gain the true light of Christ, and understand Gods will, the Apostle shows that we must do nine things. First, we should awaken our selves out of the spiritual slumber of our hearts; labouring, by prayer and meditation of our danger, to force open the eyes of our minds; Awake thou that sleepest, Ver. 14. Secondly, we must forsake the company of wicked and carnal men, that have no taste nor feeling of things that belong to the kingdom of God; Stand up from the dead, Verse 14. Thirdly, we must walk circumspectly (precisely, the original word is) being resolved to make a conscience of all our ways:1 or else in vain to go about to dig for knowledge, Verse 15. Fourthly, we must allow much time for hearing, and reading, and conference; even as men that mean to redeem all the time past they have unprofitably spent, Verse 16. Fifthly, we must bring a mind willing and desirous in all humility, to understand Gods will: a froward spirit cannot prosper; or a man wise in his own conceit, Verse 17. Sixthly, we should in special take heed of drunkenness, or any kind of tippling, wherein is excess, Verse 18. Seventhly, we must labour for a cheerful spirit, and a glad heart, and show it by singing of Psalms, making melody in our hearts to God: a heavy spirit is dull of apprehension, Verse 19. Eighthly, we must give thanks for all things, readily acknowledging every mercy, and rejoicing for any success in the means, Vers. 10. Lastly, we must submit our selves one to another, ever willing to learn in any thing of any body, Ephes. 5.21. He that scorneth information is a fool.
Againe, in the 5. of the Ephesians, Ʋers. 14. to 22. to gaine the true light of Christ, and vnderstand Gods will, the Apostle shewes that wee must doe nine things. First, wee should awaken our selues out of the spirituall slumber of our hearts; labouring, by prayer and meditation of our danger, to force open the eyes of our mindes; Awake thou that sleepest, Ver. 14. Secondly, wee must forsake the company of wicked and carnall men, that haue no taste nor feeling of things that belong to the kingdom of God; Stand vp from the dead, Verse 14. Thirdly, wee must walke circumspectly (precisely, the originall word is) being resolued to make a conscience of all our wayes:1 or else in vaine to goe about to digge for knowledge, Ʋerse 15. Fourthly, wee must allow much time for hearing, and reading, and conference; euen as men that meane to redeeme all the time past they haue vnprofitably spent, Ʋerse 16. Fiftly, wee must bring a minde willing and desirous in all humility, to vnderstand Gods will: a froward spirit cannot prosper; or a man wise in his owne conceit, Verse 17. Sixtly, wee should in speciall take heede of drunkennesse, or any kinde of tipling, wherein is excesse, Verse 18. Seuenthly, wee must labour for a cheerefull spirit, and a glad heart, and shew it by singing of Psalmes, making melody in our hearts to God: a heauy spirit is dull of apprehension, Verse 19. Eightly, wee must giue thankes for all things, readily acknowledging euery mercy, and reioycing for any successe in the meanes, Vers. 10. Lastly, wee must submit our selues one to another, euer willing to learne in any thing of any body,