A89915:926
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.
Secondly, for Reproof and terror unto all wicked men that harden their hearts, and refuse to return. What greater loss then to lose Christs Kingdom? and what fairer service then to serve the Son of God? Who would not fear thee, O King of Nationst: accursed is the estate of all such as subject not their necks to Christs yoke: that refuse to let him reign over them by his Word and Spirit: that come not up to do their homage in Jerusalem, even to worship this King, the Lord of Hostsu. If Jesus Christ be a great King, then where shall they appear, that say to the King Apostatex? Even all such I mean that dare reproach the way of Christ, and deride the sincerity of such as desire to employ themselves in the business of the Kingdom, &c. Is he a great King, how dare we then offer that unto him which they durst not offer to a mean King on earth? What mean the blind and the lame in Gods housey? how dare men so securely offer up their blind lip-service, and lame devotions? It is a Kingdom that is offered, why do we then trifle? why do they excuse? What means these fond excuses; I have married a wife, and cannot come: I have bought five yoke of Oxen, and must go prove them: I have bought a Farm, and must go see it? I have this pleasure and that profit, and therefore cannot come? Will they lose a Kingdom upon so silly a pretence? when thou needest not to lose either Wife, Farm, or Oxen. God doth not bid thee leave thy Wife, thy Labour, thy Calling, thy Living, but only wills thee to attend thine own further advancement in the season of it: seek lawful profit, but seek Grace first, Use thy lawful pleasures, but chiefly seek the pleasures of God, even these spiritual joys that are more worth then a Kingdom.
Secondly, for Reproofe and terrour vnto all wicked men that harden their hearts, and refuse to returne. What greater losse then to lose Christs Kingdome? and what fairer seruice then to serue the Sonne of God? Who would not feare thee, O King of Nationst: accursed is the estate of all such as subiect not their neckes to Christs yoake: that refuse to let him raigne ouer them by his Word and Spirit: that come not vp to doe their homage in Ierusalem, euen to worshippe this King, the Lord of Hoasts