An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is…An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is…

Fornication] There is fornication in title only, as when Victualers were called by the name of Harlots. Secondly, there is metaphorical kind of fornication, or allegorical; so wicked men are said to be bastards^k, and the Jews were borne of fornication^l. Thirdly, there is spiritual fornication: and so Idolatry is fornication, and so usually termed, both by the Prophet Hosea, and the Apostle in the Revelation. Lastly, there is corporal fornication: and that sometimes notes whoredom in the general, and sometimes it notes that filthiness that is committed actually by unmarried persons: and this latter kind of filthiness was exceeding common among the Gentiles, in all nations, especially where it was committed, with such as professed to be whores: and so it was an effect of that horrible blindness into which the nations fell upon their idolatry. But I suppose it may be here taken for all adultery and whoredom. And then I come to the reasons which may be collected against this sin, out of several Scriptures: and generally it is worthy the noting,³ that ever the more the world lessens the hatefulness of this sin, the more the holy Ghost aggravates it: as here it is set in the forefront, that the first and greatest blows of confession and prayer might light upon it. But I come to the particular reasons against fornication.

Fornication] There is fornication in title only, as when Victualers were called by the name of Harlots. Secondly, there is metaphoricall kinde of fornication, or allegoricall; so wicked men are said to be bastards^k, and the Iewes were borne of fornication^l. Thirdly, there is spirituall fornication: and so Idolatry is fornication, and so vsually tearmed, both by the Prophet Hosea, and the Apostle in the Reuelation. Lastly, there is corporall fornication: and that sometimes notes whoredome in the generall, and sometimes it notes that filthinesse that is committed actually by vnmarried persons: and this latter kinde of filthinesse was exceeding common among the Gentiles, in all nations, especially where it was committed, with such as professed to be whores: and so it was an effect of that horrible blindnesse into which the nations fell vpon their idolatrie. But I suppose it may be here taken for all adulterie and whoredome. And then I come to the reasons which may be collected against this sinne, out of seuerall Scriptures: and generally it is worthie the noting,