A18073:383
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.
Here we see the exceeding love of the Apostle, that seeing he was absent and had never seen them, nor they him, yet his care was so great he commendeth his exceeding love. For the sight of misery ⟨p. 108⟩doth greatly increase the affection & care, the eye, & the ear being the doors by which pity enters in. The cause wherefore he cared was that they might be comforted in spirit. Now in so much as his care and love appeared by his writing, which consisted of the Gospel: Doctrine It showeth that there is nothing in the world, that ministereth sound comfort, but the Gospel. For as for pleasures, wealth, good-cheer, &c. they bring no sound comfort, but are like to a flame, that is soon out▪ or smoke in the top of the chimney, that soon vanisheth away, or like the fat of lambs, that when a little heat of affliction cometh, melteth. But the comfort by the Gospel standeth by one in all affliction; yea in death it self, it is a continual feast. And therefore in Mat. 22. 2. the Kingdom of heaven is compared to a Feast; yea to a Kings feast at the marriage of his son, where no delicate fare can be wanting, but by his commandment will be brought. So S. John saith:1 This we write that your joy may be full. In the Acts we read, that those that were called, though they were hated of all yet met together, & participated in eating of meat, and did eat their common meat with great joy. This is usual in the Acts, that where the Gospel came, was great joy and comfort: and therefore when Philip came to Samaria, they receiving the Gospel, were2 comforted. So that that comfort which is in sin, as adultery, &c. is wretched, & the beginning of sorrow, & that which is in lawful outward things, is but momentany, But this peace which Christ giveth, is constant. My peace (saith he) shall never be taken away.
Heere wee see the exceeding loue of the Apostle, that seeing he was absent and had neuer seene them, nor they him, yet his care was so great he commend•th his exceeding loue. For the sight of misery