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

The Apostle after calleth himself, the Minister ¹of the Church, as before of the Gospel, both are one. He means that he was Gods Minister for the edification and comfort of his Church. The end of his Ministry of the Church: is to fulfil the word of God,² by calling those that are to be called to the knowledge of the truth wherein the word is fulfilled, or else fulfilled in hardening the hart of those, that are not to be saved: for to them the Ministry of the word is to further judgement, to them, that contemn it, and profit not by it. In the next words he sets down the dignities of Gods word 1. it is a mystery, ³a secret; secondly a mystery hid from all ages, thirdly revealed only to the faithful or Saints. A Mystery. A word taken from the heathen from their superstitious usage in their devilish religion▪ especially among⁴ ⟨p. 94⟩the Egyptians, their religion being called a mystery, and their ministry mystical, or misteriall men, their religion being hid to the Priests alone, who by pictures of birds and beasts had all their religion expressed that others might not know it. And therefore we see how fitly this superstition of the Gentiles may agree⁵ with the Doctrine of Popery, which will have the word hidden from the lay people as they called them. Whereas God would have his will delivered unto his servants and people.

The Apostle after calleth himselfe, the Minister ¹of the Church, as before of the Gospell, both are one. He meanes that he was Gods Minister for the edification and comfort of his Church. The end of his Ministery of the Church: is to fulfill the word of God,²