A89915:771
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.
Ans. I consider of this first generally, then more particularly. That we may please men we must observe these Rules: 1. We• must be careful to please God, else it is just with God, that though we strive to please men, yet we should not attain to it, because we are not in the first place careful to please God. 2. We must get that Philanthropian, love of men into our hearts, but especially Philadelphian, the love of the Brethren, for this engenders care and diligence to please, and makes the labour thereunto seem no baseness or burden. 3. In the general corruption of our callings we must live innocently. Samuel is much set by, and pleaseth the people, when he stands by Hophni and Phinehas, men so egregiously corrupt. 4. If we would please in conversing, we must learn to bear infirmitiesk. 5. We must practise those virtues that especially win favour: as courtesy, meekness, candour, faithful dealing, (though it be to our hinderance) we must give soft answers, overcome evil with goodness, be slow to wrath, and forgive, and not revenge. 6. We must hate those vices, and avoid them, which in conversation appear hateful amongst men; as back-bitingl, discovery of secretsm bitter wordsn