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. Again this is a mystery hid from the beginning so¹ many thousand years. But this may seem to confirm an error in Popery, that this being hid from so many generations, was hid from Abraham and the rest of the Patriarchs, and therefore they could not be saved. But if we be the children of Abraham and must rest in his bosom, then he was saved. Answer. But for answer, it is to be meant that the promise of this mystery was given to Abraham, but it came not till now, and therefore in regard of that it was hidden. And again though it was known, yet it was but darkly ⟨p. 95⟩known in clouds and figures, and therefore they could not see it so plainly as we do. For the fathers did not see the sufferings of CHRIST, as we do, and therefore in that regard it was hidden.

Obiection. Againe this is a mistery hid from the beginning so¹ many thousand yeares. But this may seeme to confirme an errour in Popery, that this being hid from so many generations, was hid from Abraham and the rest of the Patriarks, and therefore they could not be saued. But if we be the children of Abraham and must rest in his bosome, then he was saued. Answer. But for answer, it is to be ment that the promise of this mistery was giuen to Abraham, but it came not till now, and therefore in regard of that it was hidden. And againe though it was knowne, yet it was but darkly ⟨p. 95⟩knowne in clouds and figures, and therefore they could not see it so plainly as we doe. For the fathers did not see the suffrings of CHRIST, as we doe, and therefore in that regard it was hidden.

1. 1Dignity. 2.

And this the Apostle to the Ephesians showeth,