A89915:656
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.
Contemplative Knowledge hath in it two things, Apprehension and Meditation; that is, the power to discern Doctrine, and the power to meditate ⟨p. 75⟩of it; both are needful, and in both men are exceeding wanting; especially in the power of Meditation. If you ask me what the object is about which we should meditate, it is answered before; it is the Will of God, determining, approving, prescribing and disposing. And it is no wonder, that men get so little knowledge, or are so unable for contemplation, because every one is not capable of it; the Scorner may, in a passion, seek wisdom, but he cannot find itl. Besides, the means must be used: especially in Contemplation, it is exceeding hard to hold any course constantly, but the ground must be from matter of prayer, or hearing, or reading. Further,2 many things are required to fit a man to capableness, and power of holy Contemplation: First, Chastity of heart, and affections; for such as are carried about with lusts are ever learning, but never come to the knowledge of the truthm. Secondly, Meekness, or rest of heart from the hurry of disordered affections and troubled passions; hasty affections and a foolish mind are inseparable; he that is passionate can lift up no holy thoughts, but he can easily exalt follyn. Thirdly, A good mind, that is, an understanding, not exercised in imagining and plodding of evil: men of wicked imaginations are utterly disabled for contemplation. Fourthly, Humility, or a tender sense of ones own wants and unworthiness: the proud-conceited man, for matter of Meditation, is of an empty mind, unless it be that they dote about questions, or strife of words, or vain disputations, that tend to nothing but strife or vain ostentationo. Besides, a heart fatted and fleshed with presumptuous hopes, or profits and pleasures, and hardened through long custom and practise of sin, is almost wholly blinded in the things that belong to the Kingdom of CHRIST; These men have eyes, and see not; and ears and are as if they heard not