A89915:884
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.
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.
Wee are made fit by Redemption, by vocation, by Adoption, by Iustification, by Sanctification, and by Glorification: for each of these addes something to our sufficiencie. The Vse is, to teach vs to magnifie Gods exceeding mercy, that doth not onely giue vs heauen, but make vs fit for Heauen. The greatest King in the world,1 if hee set his loue vpon a base slaue or vassall, well hee may giue him an Earledome or great Office, but he cannot giue him fitnesse for his place, and gifts to execute it: hee may change his estate, but he cannot change his nature. But God doth not onely giue a Kingdome to his Seruants, but hee endues them with royall inclinations, desires, and behauiour.
- 1Note.