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
Thomas Cartwright 1535–1603London: 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.
Demas his salutation he setteth down, but giveth ⟨p. 246⟩him no commendation: because that (as it seemeth) he began now to slide away, which after he did shamefully. Then after this he desireth them to remember his salutations to the Church of Laodicea. Where1 we learn, as in all the other salutations, so in this, that it is a necessary duty to send salutations to our2 friends, especially to those of the Church, which profess the truth.
Demas his salutation he setteth downe, but giueth ⟨p. 246⟩him no commendation: because that (as it seemeth) he began now to slide away, which after he did shamefully. Then after this he desireth them to remember his salutations to the Church of Laodicea. Where1 we learne, as in all the other salutations, so in this, that it is a necessary duty to send salutations to our2 friends, especially to those of the Church, which professe the truth.
to one Nymphas, and to his house, which by reason of the good order & government in his whole house, might be called a little Church. For in his house there was obedience of wise, children, servants &c. Where
he showeth what a notable mercy of God it is when a family is well ordered and governed, that all the family join together in their duties to God, and one to an other: and therefore this commendation by this Epistle of this man remaineth to the end of the world. And therefore showeth what an excellent commendation it is that the household join together in singing unto God & in other religious duties. And therefore showeth our great infidelity, that are so careless of this duty, looking not for the blessing of God, which he hath promised. But if for one person, as for one Joseph in Potiphar's house, the whole
husband, wife, children, and all are religious, when those, that command, command a right, and those that obey, do it as they ought, observing their duties in their place, and order, there must needs be a great blessing of God upon that whole family, and upon every one in the same.
And amongst this Church, he commends himselfe1 to one Nymphas, and to his house, which by reason of the good order & gouernement in his whole house, might be called a little Church. For in his house there was obedience of wise, children, seruants &c. Where2 he sheweth what a notable mercy of God it is when a family is well ordered and gouerned, that all the family ioyne together in their duties to God, and one to an other: and therefore this commendation by this Epistle of this man remayneth to the end of the world. And therefore sheweth what an excellent commendation it is that the household ioyne togegether in singing vnto God & in other religious duties. And therefore sheweth our great infidelity, that are so carelesse of this duty, looking not for the blessing of God, which he hath promised. But if for one persō, as for one Ioseph in Putiphars house, the whole3 house was blessed, for one Iacob Laban blessed, and for ten good men Sodom had been spared, then when4 husband, wife, children, and all are religious, when those, that command, command a right, and those that obey, do it as they ought, obseruing their duties in their place, and order, there must needs be a great blessing of God vpon that whole family, and vpon euery one in the same.
After he willeth that this Epistle be read unto the1⟨image 128⟩Church of Laodicea, as that which not only bel[…]d to them, but unto the whole Church of God, being the word of God; for the word of God (as one saith) is the Epistle of God to his creature. Which teacheth us2 that this belongs not only unto them, to who••t was sent, but also unto us. And in that he commandeth it to be read, we have therein (if there were no3 other place) a manifest and plain confirmation of the public reading of the word in the Church.
After he willeth that this Epistle be read vnto the1⟨image 128⟩Church of Laodicea, as that which not onely bel〈…〉d to them, but vnto the whole Church of God, being the word of God; for the word of God (as one saith) is the Epistle of God to his creature. Which teachet• vs2 that this belongs not onely vnto them, to who••t was sent, but also vnto vs. And in that he commandeth it to be read, we haue therein (if there were no3 other place) a manifest and plaine confirmation of the publike reading of the word in the Church.
Then he willeth them to warn Archippus (which1 was their minister) to fulfil the ministry, which he had received of the Lord. Where he seemeth to reprehend him of some slackness, and negligence in executing the duty of the ministry, where we learn that it is the duty of the minister to be careful and diligent in the ministry, which the Lord hath called him unto, and that he fulfil the work committed unto him, and therefore must labour to increase in knowledge, using the means, that he may be more and more able to be of use unto the Church of God:2 for as the Prophet Jeremiah saith, cursed are all they, that do the work of the Lord negligently: Which howsoever there it is spoken of the magistrate, yet it belongeth as much also unto the Minister.
Then he willeth them to warne Archippus (which1 was their minister) to fulfill the ministery, which he had receiued of the Lord. Where he semeth to reprehend him of some slackenesse, and negligence in executing the duty of the ministery, where we learne that it is the duty of the minister to be carefull and diligent in the ministery, which the Lord hath called him vnto, and that he fulfil the worke committed vnto him, and therefore must labour to increase in knowledge, vsing the meanes, that he may be more and more able to be of vse vnto the Church of God:2 for as the Prophet Ieremy saith, cursed are all they, that doe the worke of the Lord negligently: Which howsoeuer there it is spoken of the magistrate, yet it belongeth as much also vnto the Minister.
Then doing his own salutations, unto them.1 He desireth them to be mindful of him in his bonds and persecution, which afterward he suffered doth in. Which we have heard of before which teacheth us as to be mindful of all, that are in bonds for the truth sake; so especially of the Ministers.
Then doing his owne salutations, vnto them.1 He desireth them to be mindfull of him in his bonds and persecution, which afterward he suffred doth in. Which we haue heard of before which teacheth vs as to be mindfull of all, that are in bonds for the truth sake; so especially of the Ministers.
And saith Amen, assuring himself of the grace and ⟨image 129⟩[…] of God towards them, that God would hear […]ere for them, and show his favour towards […]. And thus much of this Epistle, wherein •e have heard the preface and the Epistle it self, in which the Apostle persuades them unto a constant embracing of the pure doctrine of Christ Jesus, without the mixture of mans inventions.
And saith Amen, assuring himselfe of the grace and ⟨image 129⟩〈…〉 of God towards them, that God would heare 〈…〉yer for them, and shew his fauour towards 〈…〉. And thus much of this Epistle, wherein •e haue heard the preface and the Epistle it selfe, in which the Apostle perswads them vnto a constant embracing of the pure doctrine of Christ Iesus, without the mixture of mans inuentions.
