A89915:984
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.
Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers. 1] These words are diversly interpreted. Some think, there is no necessity to understand them of Angels; but in general of all Empire, and of the order of economy, among the Creatures, in Marriage, Laws, or Governments, in heaven or Earth. Some restrain the words, to order amongst men only. Some understand by Thrones the Palace of Gods Majesty, and the seat of blessed immortality; and the rest of the words they interpret of Angels. But the commonest opinion, and most ancient, is to understand all the words of Angels only: But in this there is not agreement, for some think the Apostle speaks by way of Concession, as if he should say: Be it so that Angels are Thrones and Dominions, &c. (as the Jews and false Apostles affirm, when they go about to persuade you to Angel-worship) yet if that were granted, Christ only were to be worshipped, because he made all those; and what excellency they have, they had it from him. Others think that the Apostle reckoneth up the excellent'st things in humane government, and gives them to Angels, to shadow out their glory; and consequently, the glory of Christ that made them. ⟨p. 116⟩I think there is no hurt in their opinion, that give all these words unto Angels:2 And they are called Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, & Powers, because God by them governs the Nations, and as some think, moves the Heavens; restrains the Devils, works Miracles, foretells things to come, protects the faithful, and exerciseth his judgements upon the world: yet so as these names may be given to all Angels, in divers respects, and upon occasion of divers employments: Or they may be given to some Angels for a time, and not for ever. Or if it be yielded that those names do distinguish the divers sorts of Angels,3 and their order; yet it will not follow, that we can tell their sorts, as the bold Dionysius, and the Papists have adventured to do.
Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers. 1] These words are diuersly interpreted. Some thinke, there is no necessitie to vnderstand them of Angels; but in generall of all Empire, and of the order of oeconomie, among the Creatures, in Marriage, Lawes, or Gouernments, in heauen or Earth. Some restraine the words, to order amongst men onely. Some vnderstand by Thrones the Pallace of Gods Maiestie, and the seate of blessed immortality; and the rest of the words they interpret of Angels. But the commonest opinion, and most auncient, is to vnderstand all the words of Angels onely: But in this there is not agreement, for some thinke the Apostle speakes by way of Concession, as if hee should say: Be it so that Angels are Thrones and Dominions, &c. (as the Iewes and false Apostles affirme, when they go about to perswade you to Angel-worship) yet if that were granted, Christ onely were to be worshipped, because hee made all those; and what excellency they haue, they had it from him. Others thinke that the Apostle reckoneth vp the excellent'st things in humane gouernment, and giues them to Angels, to shadow out their glory; and consequently, the glory of Christ that made them.