A89915:956
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.
The Considerations of this Doctrine,1 that Christ is the Image of the invisible God, may serve for six Uses. First, to teach us the admiration of that God, whose Image is of so admirable praises. Secondly, to show the fearfulness of their estate, that turn the glory of the incorruptible GOD into the Image of corruptible Creatures.2 And this is the sin not only of the Gentiles, but of the Papists also. Thirdly, it should wonderfully quicken us to all the duties of humbleness of mind, and meekness, and make us ready in all things, to serve one another, without wrangling, or contention, in love; seeing he that was in form of God, equal with GOD, 3put upon him the form and Image of a Servant. Fourthly, we may hence learn, that if we would know God, we must get into Christ; for in him only is the Father known: he that hath seen Christ, hath seen the Fathera. Labour then in the business of Mortification and Justification, and then that knowledge of God, which is impossible to Nature, will be possible to Grace. They have the firmest apprehension of God, not that have the most Wit or Learning, but that have the most grace in Jesus Christ. One may be a great Scholar, and yet a great Atheist. The surest way is to know the Creator in the Redeemer. Fifthly, seeing it is Christs honour to be Gods Image, let it be our honour to be Christs Image, which we can never be, unless we put off the old man, and his worksb. And see to it, that the light of the Gospel be not hid from us, by the God of this world, for the Gospel is the Gospel of gloryc, 2 Cor. 4.4. and 3.18.9. &c. Gal. 4.19. Now, we may be framed like to the Image of Christ, in three things: 1. In Knowledge