A commentary upon the epistle of Saint Paul written to the Colossians. PreachedA commentary vpon the epistle of Saint Paule written to the Colossians. Preached

It followeth, Being fruitful in all good works, that¹ is, bringing forth every good fruit; this is the same with the former, but it explaineth the other by a Metaphor, if we bring forth good fruit in every good work, where he compareth men to fruitful creatures, as sheep, especially bringing forth two lambs, or to trees bringing forth good fruit. The children of God are in Isaiah, called Oaks of righteousness,² in that they are strong and stand against all temptations and tempests: And like Oaks in steadiness of profession: So also in regard of the excellent fruit, they are compared to the Vine, which is accounted in the Scripture of all trees a most excellent tree, and most profitable, sweet, and pleasant, as also plentiful, and therefore in regard of the goodness and abundance, we are to like of it. And therefore our Saviour saith: I am the Vine, and my ³Father the Husbandman to dress the Vine. And the Vine is singular and most excellent in regard of the⁴ fruit, for else it is good for nothing, not for to make a pin, but for the fire: so Christians, which profess God and the Gospel, if they bring forth no fruit and please not God, they are the worst of all men, worse then the Jews, Turks, and heathen, let them ⟨p. 44⟩brag what they will of the word, and Sacraments, &c. And they must bring forth much fruit, viz. in every good work, and therefore it is said the Father doth trim that Vine, to make it bring forth more fruit, It was required always that the children⁵ of God, should bring forth fruit, but much more in the time of the Gospel. And therefore the Prophet saith, the least, basest, and weakest of the people of God, at that time shall be as David, and he that is as David shall be as an Angel of God. We know how valiant and courageous David was, so shall the weakest in the Gospel.

It followeth, Being fruitfull in all good workes, that