A18073:315
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.
Solution. But the Apostle answers, that he hath great cause of rejoicing by his afflictions, addeth two reasons: 1 One he maketh supply of the afflictions of Christ, that which was wanting in CHRIST, he doth fulfil: Secondly, it is for the Churches good, that he doth it for the body of CHRIST, which is his Church. For the first, here arise strong arguments of the Papists for their doctrine of justification by works: Objection. And one is, they say that Saint Paul supplied the passions of CHRIST, and therefore his passions are not sufficient, but must be pieced and patched with good works: Secondly, they say, the Apostle suffered for the Church, and therefore the martyrdom or merits of Martyrs are to be given to Saints for their good.
Solution. But the Apostle answeres, that he hath great cause of reioycing by his afflictions, addeth two reasons: 1 One he maketh supply of the afflictions of Christ, that which was wanting in CHRIST, he doth fulfill: Secondly, it is for the Churches good, that he doth it for the body of CHRIST, which is his Church. For the first, here arise strong arguments of the Papists for their doctrine of iustification by workes: Obiection. And one is, they say that Saint Paul supplyed the passions of CHRIST, and therefore his passions are not sufficient, but must bee peeced and patched with good workes: Secondly, they say, the Apostle suffered for the Church, and therefore the martirdome or merits of Martyrs are to be giuen to Saints for their good.
Solution. For the answer of these, we are to know that the members of CHRIST, being joined with CHRIST, make but one CHRIST, they being divers members of one body, which is CHRIST the Head, 1. Cor. 12. And as the wife taketh the name of the husband, so do we of CHRIST being Christians. Now then as our Saviour CHRIST went before in afflictions, so we are to fulfil his afflictions and to follow him. Heb. 2. CHRIST abased himself that he might make himself like us in suffering, and therefore we must be like unto him in sufferings. So that we see what an argument they make, that because we must be like him in afflictions, therefore our afflictions must merit, nothing less. Another reason in that he saith: that which wanted in his afflictions, is supplied. It is meant