A89915:747
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.
My answer is, First, that merit cannot be founded upon Scripture;1 and secondly, it cannot be founded upon this Scripture. For the first, we cannot merit for many reasons in Scripture: first, we are not our own men, we are so tied unto God that gave us being in Nature and Grace, that when we have done all we can do, our own mouths must say we are but unprofitable Servantsc. Secondly, all our sufficiency to do any good is of God, not from our selvesd. Thirdly, God gains nothing by us. If thou be righteous, what givest thou to him? or, what receiveth he at thy handse? Fourthly, men talk of their well-doing, but what shall become of their sins? If the Papists will first go to hell for their sins, and stay all that eternity there, then afterwards if God create another eternity, they may have hearing to relate what good they have done: the curse of the Law will be first served; the punishment of Adams one sin barred the plea for any reward for former righteousness. Fifthly, what comparison can there be between the glory of Heaven, and our works on earthf? Sixthly, it is worthy to be observed, that it is mercy in God to set his love upon them that keep his Commandments, Exod. 20. Command. 2. Seventhly, we are so far from meriting, that we are taught to pray God to give us our daily bread, we have not a bit of bread of our own earning. Eighthly, the Sanctification of the most righteous is but begun in this life. Lastly, unto all these Reasons add the further Testimony of these Scriptures, Dan. 9.9. Rom. 4.5. and 11.9. 1. Cor. 4.4.