A89915:642
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.
Obser. 3 Thirdly, the knowledge of the will of God, and spiritual things, only can fill and satisfy the heart of man, all else is mere vanity and vexation of spiritx. Earthly things cannot fill, neither the knowledge of them, nor the use or possession of them, because they are not infinite nor eternal: besides, there is nothing new, nor are they of a like nature with the Soul: they are enjoyed with vexation and much satiety, for our affections will not love them still; yea, most an end the vanity of mens minds so turneth devises, concerning their knowledge or use, that death or loss takes them or us away, before they can find out that way of using of them, that could satisfy and fill the heart.
Obser. 3 Thirdly, the knowledge of the will of God, and spirituall things, onely can fill and satisfie the heart of man, all else is meere vanity and vexation of spiritx. Earthly things cannot fill, neither the knowledge of them, nor the vse or possession of them, because they are not infinite nor eternall: besides, there is nothing new, nor are they of a like nature with the Soule: they are enioyed with vexation and much sacietie, for our affections will not loue them still; yea, most an end the vanity of mens mindes so turneth deuises, concerning their knowledge or vse, that death or losse takes them or vs away, before they can finde out that way of vsing of them, that could satisfie and fill the heart.
- xEccles. 1.2. Nothing can fill but knowledge & spiritual things.Eccles. 1.2. Nothing can fill but knowledge & spirituall things.
Obser. 4 Lastly, nothing but the will of God binds conscience: the Apostle of purpose layeth the foundation in the Preface, concerning the knowledge of, and resting upon Gods will, that so be might the more easily beat down their Traditions and Philosophical Speculations, of which he meant to entreat in the next Chapter. Now, if this Doctrine be true, as it is most true, then Apocryphe Scripture, Councils, Fathers, and Princes Laws, do not bind further then they are agreeable to Gods will; and therefore much less Popes Decrees, Traditions, and humane Inventions.