A89915:885
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.
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.
The Rhemists upon this place note, that we deserve salvation condignly; but we need not answer them: for Thomas Aquinas, the ordinary Gloss, and Cardinal Caietan upon this place, cross them. Aquinas saith thus; Dixerunt aliqui Deus d•t dignis gratiam, &c. Some have said God gives grace to the worthy, but not to the unworthy: but the Apostle excludes this, because whatsoever worthiness thou hast, God hath wrought it in thee: and to this end allegeth, 2 Cor: 3. We are not sufficient of our selves to think a good thought. The Gloss thus: He makes us worthy, not in the Law, but in Light: that is, through God, who is light of light, by whose grace we are enlightened. Caietan thus: worthy, that is, fit; by lot, that is, only by Gods gift. Note, only by Gods gift, the Papist saith.