A89915:883
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.
Who] Doct. God only can make men fit for his Kingdom: he only can rescue us from the power of darkness and Satan: it is he only is the Lord of righteousness: it is he only that can pardon our sins: it is he only can heal our rebellions, and take away our iniquities: he only is the fountain of all inherent holiness: he only is stronger then all, to preserve us to the end, and crown us with glory.
Who] Doct. God onely can make men fit for his Kingdome: he onely can rescue vs from the power of darkenesse and Sathan: it is hee onely is the Lord of righteousnesse: it is hee onely that can pardon our sinnes: it is hee onely can heale our rebellions, and take away our iniquities: hee onely is the fountaine of all inherent holinesse: he onely is stronger then all, to preserue vs to the end, and crowne vs with glory.
Made fit.] The word may be rendered either made fit, or worthy, so it be understood of the merit of Christ imputed to us, in whom only we are worthy of heaven.
Made fit.] The word may be rendred eyther made fit, or worthy, so it bee vnderstood of the merit of Christ imputed to vs, in whom onely wee are worthy of heauen.
We are made fit by Redemption, by vocation, by Adoption, by Justification, by Sanctification, and by Glorification: for each of these adds something to our sufficiency. The Use is, to teach us to magnify Gods exceeding mercy, that doth not only give us heaven, but make us fit for Heaven. The greatest King in the world,1 if he set his love upon a base slave or vassal, well he may give him an Earldom or great Office, but he cannot give him fitness for his place, and gifts to execute it: he may change his estate, but he cannot change his nature. But God doth not only give a Kingdom to his Servants, but he endues them with royal inclinations, desires, and behaviour.