A18073:207
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
A commentary upon the epistle of Saint Paul written to the Colossians. Preached by Thomas Cartwright, and now published for the further use of the Church of GodA commentary vpon the epistle of Saint Paule written to the Colossians. Preached by Thomas Cartwright, and now published for the further vse of the Church of God
London: printed by Nicholas Okes, 1612
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 Person of CHRIST standeth of both natures, both of the God-head, and man-hood; for those things here spoken can neither ⟨p. 64⟩belong to the God-head a part, not to the man-hood a part.
The last point spoken of out of the beginning of this part we are to consider further of, viz., touching the Angels, called here powers, dominions, principalities &c. Where we observed, that seeing there is such an order among the Angels, such excellent creatures, have some superiors, others inferiors. And for so much as Angels are subject to higher Angels, much more ought men to be subject to their Governors and Princes, having far more need. This was for instruction. An other point for consolation was delivered upon this question; whether the blessed Angels have more strength then the devils.
The last point spoken of out of the beginning of this part we are to consider further of, viz., touching the Angels, called here powers, dominions, principalities &c. Where we obserued, that seing there is such an order among the Angels, such excellent creatures, haue some superiours, others inferiours. And for so much as Angels are subiect to higher Angels, much more ought men to be subiect to their Gouernours and Princes, hauing far more need. This was for instruction. An other point for consolation was deliuered vpon this question; whether the blessed Angels haue more strenght then the deuils.
Answer. Notwithstanding the devils have great1 power and strength and do great things: yet they have not such wisdom, such power, nor strength to do mischief, as the good Angels have to defend the children of God. The reason is, that as men falling from their estate lost much of their wisdom, wit, strength &c. Even so the wicked Angels are by their fall disabled of that power, and wisdom, and strength in comparison of the blessed spirits, for further proof of this read Apocalypse 20. 2. One Angel (not said to be an Archangel, or principal Angel, but a meaner Angel) is said to take the dragon, the principal devil (by the neck as it were) and bind him. For when as the devil, at the increase of the Church, about 30. years after the ascension of our Saviour CHRIST began to rage mightily against the Church of God, and would have clean devoured it, had not the Lord laid him on his back. It is said that an Angel took him, and bound him up for a 1000. years.