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

Having spoken of the Elements of the world, ⟨p. 145⟩which are the ceremonies of the Law, I come now to the vain Philosophy, I gave you warning of. Against the which observe this rule: First, that you give no man (of what show soever) this power over you, that for his own lust, in matters pertaining to God, he usurp authority, howsoever the doctrine he brings, carry a show of humility. As for example those that teach the worship of Angels, as means to come the more easily unto CHRIST: in which thing what do they else, but thrust themselves into things, which they never knew, only grounded upon a proud conceit of their fleshly mind, notwithstanding their great pretence of humility?

Hauing spoken of the Elements of the world, ⟨p. 145⟩which are the ceremonies of the Law, I come now to the vaine Philosophy, I gaue you warning of. Against the which obserue this rule: First, that you giue no man (of what shew soeuer) this power ouer you, that for his owne lust, in matters pertaining to God, hee vsurpe authority, howsoeuer the doctrine hee brings, carry a shew of humility. As for example those that teach the worship of Angels, as meanes to come the more easily vnto CHRIST: in which thing what do they else, but thrust themselues into things, which they neuer knew, onely grounded vpon a proud conceite of their fleshly minde, notwithstanding their great pretence of humility?

Which error ought so much the more to be abhorred as they, that are infected with it, do not (indeed, whatsoever they do in word) hold CHRIST fast, which is the Head of his Church, of whom the whole body as it were by joints and bands being furnished,¹ and compact together, is both nourished and increased, with that increase, which God both alloweth, and is giver off.