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

Another reason which the Apostle rendereth, is because¹ such they had been in times past: and yet were received to favour and mercy by the Lord. And therefore it behoved them to beware of their former sins, to walk like new men, being received into a new state.

Another reason which the Apostle rendreth, is because¹ such they had been in times past: and yet were receiued to fauour and mercy by the Lord. And therefore it behoued them to beware of their former sinnes, to walke like new men, being receiued into a new state.

1. 1Verse 7.

For what a mercy of God is this to receive us, when we have even spent our selves in sin? What master, when a man hath spent himself and his¹ strength in another mans service, will take this man to himself, and make him his servant? But the Lord doth so, he taketh us, though we have been gross sinners, and he doth account us as if we had not sinned: As in Ezekiel he saith: If the righteous ²man forsake his righteous ways, I will forget his righteous deeds. Contrary: If a wicked man repent, and do the thing that is good, he shall not dye, but live.

For what a mercy of God is this to receiue vs, when we haue euen spent our selues in sinne? What maister, when a man hath spent himselfe and his¹ strength in another mans seruice, will take this man to himselfe, and make him his seruant? But the Lord doth so, hee taketh vs, though we haue beene grosse sinners, and hee doth account vs as if wee had not sinned: As in Ezechiel he saith: If the righteous