A17648:110
A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…
A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated into English by R.V.A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated into English by R.V.
London: printed by Thomas Purfoote, 1581
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1 Therefore if you have risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. 2 Think upon those things that are above, & not which are upon the earth. 3 For you be dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 But when Christ your life shall appear, then also shall ye appear with him in glory.
1 Therefore if you haue risē with Christ, seeke those things that are aboue, where Christ is sitting on the righte hand of God. 2 Thinke vpon those thinges that are aboue, & not which are vpon the earth. 3 For you be dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 But when Christ your life shall appeare, then also shall ye appeare with him in glory.
HE setteth against those vain exercises which the false Apostles did urge, as though perfection were placed in them, true exercise wherewith it becometh true Christians to be occupied: which doth not a little make for the cause. For while we perceive what God would have us do, we do easily afterward set nought by the inventions of men. Whilst it appeareth that that which God setteth out for us is far more high and noble, than that which men beat into our heads, we leave men, and our minds grow more and more ready and willing to follow God. Paul in this place exhorteth the Colossians to the consideration and practise of a heavenly life. But what do his adversaries? they would detain them in childish rudiments. This doctrine then causeth ceremonies to be more little set by. Whereof it appeareth that Paul doth so exhort in this place, that he confirmeth his former doctrine. For in describing firm or sound Godliness and holiness of life, he directeth his talk to this point, that those vain shows of mens traditions may wast and wear away. He doth withal prevent an Objection wherewith the false Apostles might burden him, What then? haddest thou rather that men should be idle then to give themselves ⟨p. 62⟩to these exercises, what kind of ones soever they be? When as therefore he biddeth Christians to apply themselves to far more excellent studies, he cutteth of occasion from this malicious surmise, nay rather he chargeth them with no small spite, for that with things of nought they call away, and hinder the right course of the godly.