A89915:958
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 Use is, first, to teach us to walk alway in fear and trembling, seeing we serve such a God, as sees us, when we see not himi: secondly, this should check the secret and beastly discontentment of our hearts, which are many times moved to vexation, because our God is not visible; whereas we should therefore the more admire him, that is so absolutely perfect: It were imperfection to be visible. And yet notwithstanding, though God be not visible to sense, he is visible to understanding: and though Nature cannot see him, yet Grace can. Now, if any ask what he might do that he might see God, I answer, that he that would see God: first, he must look for him in the Land of the living k: seek for him amongst true Christians: he must ⟨p. 112⟩first know and love his brother: and then he shall know and see Godl. He that would know the Father, must be acquainted with the Child. Secondly, he must with fear, and reverence, and constancy, wait upon the manifestation of God in his house; in that light we shall see light. We must eat at Gods Table, and it must be our contentment to taste of the fatness of his house, and to drink out of the river of those pleasures, if we would with clear light see Godm. God is to be seen in Zionn: Gods goings are seen in the Sanctuaryo. Thirdly, he must learn Gods Name; for he that knows his Name, sees his Nature. When God would show his glory to Moses, he proclaims his name to himp. Fourthly, he must be sure to get into Christ by Faith, being borne of God by regenerationq. Lastly, he must be pure in heart: he must especially strive against the corruptions inward, in his thoughts and affections. Thus of the second use.