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

Strictly, when a man doth fall down and worship idols and images in steed of God.

Strictly, when a man doth fall downe and worship idols and images in steed of God.

It is also taken more largely: for that when a mans heart is drawn and stolen from God, and is set upon any thing whatsoever, as upon meat and drink: the glutton maketh it his God, &c. so of uncleanness, &c. But yet more notably covetousness is called¹ idolatry, because first it maketh him that is covetous to be proud, and lift himself above others. Again, it makes him to trust in his riches, which adultery, and fornication, & other sins do not work in a man. For none is proud and confident in their filthiness, &c. And therefore it is that the Apostle both to the Ephesians and here, calleth this idolatry. And therefore² idolatry is not only among the Papists, but even to be found amongst us that have renounced Popery. And would they could not charge us of this idolatry, when they say there is so little alms to the poor, &c.

It is also taken more largely: for that when a mans heart is drawne and stolne from God, and is set vpon any thing whatsoeuer, as vpon meate and drinke: the glutton maketh it his God, &c. so of vncleanesse, &c. But yet more notably couetousnesse is called¹ idolatry, because first it maketh him that is couetous to be proud, and lift himselfe aboue others. Againe, it makes him to trust in his riches, which adultery, and fornication, & other sins do not worke in a man. For none is proud and confident in their filthinesse, &c. And therefore it is that the Apostle both to the Ephesians and heere, calleth this idolatry. And therefore² idolatry is not onely among the Papists, but euen to bee found amongst vs that haue renounced Popery. And would they could not charge vs of this idolatry, when they say there is so little almes to the poore, &c.