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

Objection. The other reason, they use, is in that he saith; He suffered for the Church.

Obiection. The other reason, they vse, is in that he saith; Hee suffered for the Church.

Solution. We are to understand indeed that the Ministers of God, and the children of God, when they suffer, suffer for the Church, not for the redemption, but for¹ the confirmation, comfort, and example of the Church, as the Apostle showeth, 2. Cor. 1. 6. If we be afflicted it is for our consolation, &c. As if he had said, I suffer for your cause, that ye seeing my afflictions and patience in my trouble might take example to follow me, and seeing my constancy through God that doth sustain me, ye might receive comfort and example in continuing constant your selves, & might wade through the afflictions that come unto you. And therefore we see what is the cause why the children of God suffer, viz: for the Churches sake, by standing constantly in the defence of the truth, which Satan especially aimeth at, to make them depart from it, and his instruments also not so much look for their life, as the defaming of the truth: & therefore we continuing constant in the truth, we are conquerors, how hardly soever we be dealt withal. And therefore we see what slender grounds they have of the doctrine of merits, & indulgences which they give, attributing salvation to merits of Saints and Martyrs: Where they also deal most wretchedly and blasphemously against the God of² heaven, & the Son of God, which speak against the imputation of the righteousness of CHRIST to us, and yet give that honour to Saints in that they will have their righteousness imputed unto others.

Solution. We are to vnderstand indeed that the Ministers of God, and the children of God, when they suffer, suffer for the Church, not for the redemption, but for