Colossians

3. The saints at death shall not only have a sight of God, but shall enjoy the love of God; there shall be no more veil on God's face, nor his smiles checkered with frowns, but God's love shall discover itself in all its radiant beauty and fragrant sweetness. Here the saints pra…

5. Is creation proper to the Deity? This is a flower of Christ's crown (Colossians 1:16): By him were all things created. 6. Is invocation proper to the Deity?

Resp. He has redeemed us to a glorious inheritance (1 Peter 1:4): To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. 1. To an inheritance.] Christ has not only redeemed us out of prison, but he has redeemed us to a state of happin…

Such were some of you, but you are washed, etc. Before effectual calling, we are not only without strength (Romans 5:6), but enemies (Colossians 1:21). So that the foundation of vocation is election.

Response: We must conceive of him spiritually, namely: 1. In his attributes; his holiness, justice, goodness, which are the beams by which his divine nature shines forth. 2. We must conceive of him as he is in Christ; Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). S…

The excellencies of the creature are limited. A man may have health, not beauty; learning, not parentage; riches, not wisdom: but in God are eminently contained all excellencies: he is a good commensurate fully to the soul; he is a sun, a portion, a horn of salvation; in him dwe…

1 Peter 1:3: Blessed be God, who according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope. Colossians 1:12: Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us meet for the inheritance in light. The new creature is a sign of election, a badge of adoption.

Men adopt because they want children, and desire to have some to bear their name; but that God should adopt us when he had a Son of his own, the Lord Jesus, here is the wonder of love. Christ is called God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13). A Son more worthy than the angels (Hebrews…

He has a mighty arm (Psalm 89:13). God's power is a glorious power (Colossians 1:11). 1. It is an irresistible power (Romans 9:19).

2. God the Son is the purchaser of peace. He has made peace by his blood (Colossians 1:20): Having made peace by the blood of his cross. The atonement Aaron made for the people when he entered into the holy of holies with blood, was a type of Christ our high priest, who has by h…

God infinitely out-shines all sublunary glory; he is better than the soul, than angels, than heaven. Thirdly, in the chief good, there must be not only fullness but variety; where variety is wanting, we are apt to nauseate; to feed only on honey, would breed loathing; but in God…

2. We must conceive of him as he is in Christ. Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). As in the wax we see the print of the seal.

And this knowledge of God is through Christ. Christ is the glass in which the face of God is seen (Colossians 1:15). And then we know God aright, when we know him not only with a knowledge of speculation, but appropriation.

1. I begin with the first thing implied in this petition, Your Kingdom come: It is implied that we are in the kingdom of darkness; and we pray, that we may be brought out of the kingdom of darkness; the state of nature is a kingdom of darkness: It is a kingdom; sin is said to re…

Sanctification is still increasing, like the morning sun which grows brighter to the full meridian. Knowledge is said to increase (Colossians 1:10), and faith to increase (2 Corinthians 10:15); a Christian is continually adding a cubit to his spiritual stature. It is not with us…

He is [illegible], the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). He creates (Colossians 1:16). 2. Is God the Father infinitely immense, filling all places (Jeremiah 23:24), so is Jesus Christ.

2. The palace of this Kingdom is lucid and transparent; 'tis adorned with light, [illegible Greek text], The light is sweet. Hell is a dark dungeon, but the palace above is bespangled with light (Colossians 1:12). Such illustrious beams of glory shine from God as shed a brightne…

3. If God should pardon and not sanctify, then that should enter into heaven that defiles, but (Revelation 21:27): "Nothing shall enter that defiles." Then God should settle the inheritance upon men before they are fit for it, contrary to that (Colossians 1:12): "He has made us…

Is it the continuance in sin and the number and repetition of them that amazes you? 'All fullness dwells in him who is our righteousness' (Colossians 1:19) and has dwelt in him longer than sin has dwelt in you. And the righteousness of our Messiah is 'everlasting righteousness'…

There being even in the best something which does belong to his jurisdiction, which makes their spirits fit subjects for his temptations to take upon. In Ephesians 6:12, they are called 'the rulers of the darkness of this world'; and Colossians 1:12-13, their power is called 'th…

The second fruit of their faith is noted in these words; And believed them: where, by believing, we must understand not so much the act of faith, for that was noted before, as the growth and increase of their faith; for the word imports a confirmation of their hearts, and a reso…

1. It shows us the necessity of effectual calling; without it there is no going to Heaven: We must be made meet for the inheritance, Colossians 1:12. As God makes Heaven fit for us, so he makes us fit for Heaven; and what gives this idoneity and meetness, but effectual Calling?

Your] This word puts us in mind that there are two kingdoms: one God's, and that is the kingdom of heaven: the other the devil's, called the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13). For when all had sinned in Adam, God laid this punishment on all, that seeing they could not be con…

1 Corinthians 13:12: We may see God as men do, through spectacles in his word, sacraments, and creatures. And therefore as Paul prayed for the Colossians (Colossians 1:10), that they might increase in the knowledge of God: so are we taught to pray for ourselves in this petition.…

3. Again, we are here taught to have a desire in our hearts, and an endeavor in our lives, in all things to perform obedience to God's word in our lives and conversations, and in our particular callings. 4. Lastly, we desire patience and strength, when it shall please God at any…

And again it is said, that God by his son made the world (Hebrews 1:2). As for the Holy Ghost, the work of creation is also ascribed to him: and therefore Moses says, The spirit moved upon the waters (Genesis 1:2): and Job says, His spirit has garnished the heavens ([reconstruct…

Question: Must we of necessity follow all the petitions in conceiving a prayer? Answer: No, but only those which do principally belong to the time, place, and occasion, as Paul makes a prayer (Colossians 1:9-10). And all the points of it may be referred to the third and last pet…

He who is truly righteous is far more excellent than any wicked person in the world whatsoever. I say [truly righteous] to exclude the hypocrite, who has a form, and slight tincture of piety, but knows not the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:6). He has nothing of religion bu…

Now says the text, He has wrought us for this thing; and Romans 9:23, it is in terminis, the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory; which was by working holiness: for it follows, verse 24, even us whom he has called. Likewise, Colossians 1:12, who has made us m…

It should be our care not only to have Christ with us, but in us. Col. 1. 27. Christ in you the hope of glory. This will be a Cordial when we are dying; what though death be in our body, if Christ be in our heart?

We are not sufficient (says the Apostle, 2 Corinthians 3:5) of ourselves as of ourselves to think anything, not so much as a good thought. 2. The Scripture holds him out not only as unable for good, but perverse and bent to everything that is evil (Colossians 1:21), alienated an…

Or inward renovation contradistinguished to the external ministry, that can only hold out His will in a book, and speak it to the ear. Third, this may be cleared and confirmed from the nature of the work of grace, which is such a mighty work and so powerful, as it is impossible…

As namely that of (Isaiah 9:6): To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, of whose Kingdom and Government there shall be…

The second is (Philippians 2:9), where having spoken of his humiliation, it follows, Therefore God has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and, etc. His exaltation is such as ha…

Though it is faith that makes our friendship, yet it is by holiness that it is entertained; and it is holiness whereby our communion is kept up with God. Therefore (Colossians 1:12), we are said by it, to be made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; fo…

In this giving and taking world, we are hence obliged to give the best and choicest thing we have for Christ. Should we make a table of Christ's acts of love, and free grace to us, and of our sins and acts of unthankfulness to him, this would be more evident; as there was (1.) b…

The taking away of the world's sins to us is the complete pardoning of them. Remission of sins in his blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14); blotting out of transgressions ([reconstructed: Isaiah 43:25]) as a thick cloud (Isaiah 44:23); a not remembering of sins (Isaiah 43:25;…

So that as the promise of forgiveness refers to his person, so also to this redemption that is in him. Thus both in Ephesians 1 and Colossians 1: 'In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.' His person gives us title to all the promises, and his…

It is a sign of a hypocrite, when with Simon Magus we think this gift may be bought with money. Reason 2: It is taken from the good pleasure of the Father, whom it has pleased that in Christ all fullness of life should dwell (Colossians 1:19). And when he which is our life shall…

Yea, and if I be offered upon the Sacrifice and Service of your Faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. Colossians 1:24. Who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh, for his Body's sake, which is the Church.

Alas there is a lamentable appearance of mankind to God's sight, now nothing good to be found in them; a universal defection, both in piety and humanity. But then Christ undertook the reparation of mankind, and the design was pleasing to God, that he might not lose the glory of…

Hope, after the manner of the Scriptures, is taken two ways: for the thing that is hoped for, and for the affection of him that hopes. For the thing which is hoped for, it is taken in the first chapter to the Colossians: "For the hope's sake which is laid up for you in heaven" (…

This garment, that is to say, this corrupt and sinful nature we received from Adam: which Paul is wont to call the old man. This old man must be put off with all his works (Ephesians 4; Colossians 1), that of the children of Adam we may be made the children of God. This is not d…

The second is peace with the creatures; and it has five branches. The first is, peace with angels, for man is redeemed by Christ: and by means of this redemption, sinful man is reconciled to good Angels (Colossians 1:20). The second is, peace with the godly: who are all made of…

The second: we must take knowledge of the will of God in all things, whether it be revealed in the word, or by any event. It is not enough to know God's will, but when time and place serves, we must acknowledge it (Romans 12:2; Colossians 1:10). The third: we must bring ourselve…

The devil blinds the eyes of men that the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may not shine to them (2 Corinthians 4:4). This must teach us, that we must not only hold and know the true religion for the time, but also build ourselves upon our faith (Jude verse 20), and be rooted…

Christ (whose example is without all exception, being exemplum indeficiens as the Schoolmen speak) did sweeten the bitterness of the cross with the consideration of the glory which a little after he was to enjoy, for so the Apostle says, that for the joy that was set before him,…

But seeing the kingdom of Hezekiah was but a little shadow of Christ his kingdom as we have touched before, these things therefore ought to be referred to Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We are also to note these titles which are used to set fo…

He will then preserve us above all his creatures, and will never suffer us to perish. Now as Christ is called the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:13), so the Church also, which is his body, obtains in this world the preeminence of dignity and honor. I leave the Rabbis…

The name Adonai, which seems best to appertain to Christ, favors their opinion nothing at all, for it is often attributed to God simply, and without relation. Mention is made of God in this place then without determining of either end: yet notwithstanding one may properly say, t…

2. They pray to angels. Angel-worship is forbidden (Colossians 2:18-19), and that we may not pray to angels is clear from Romans 10:14: How shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? We may not pray to any but whom we may believe in; but we may not believe in an an…

Christ is the great Luminary. In him are hidden all treasures of knowledge (Colossians 2:3). The middle lamp of the Sanctuary gave light to all the other lamps.

This being a grand article of our faith, I shall amplify: I know the Arians, Socinians, Ebionites would rob Christ of the best jewel of his crown, his Godhead; but the Apostolical, Nicene, Athanasian Creed affirm Christ's deity, to this the churches of Helvetia, Bohemia, Wittemb…

The saints are not only compared to stars for their light, but trees for their growth (Isaiah 61:3; Hosea 14:5). A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backward, nor Joshua's sun that stood still, but is always advancing in holiness, and increasing with the increa…

If our obedience be not according to the Word, it is offering up strange fire; it is [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], Will-worship; and God will say, Who has required this at your hand? The Apostle condemns worshipping of angels, which had a show of humility (Colossians 2:18). The J…

3. A miraculous faith, which was granted to the apostles, to work miracles for the confirmation of the gospel: this Judas had, he cast out devils, yet was cast out to the devil. 4. A true justifying faith, which is called a faith of the operation of God (Colossians 2:12), and is…

Who has required this at your hand? (Isaiah 1:12). The Apostle condemns the worshipping of angels, which had a show of humility (Colossians 2:18). The Jews might say, they were loath to be so bold as to go to God in their own persons; they would be more humble, and prostrate the…

Is a gold mine so precious? how precious is he who founded this mine? What is Christ in whom are hid all treasures? (Colossians 2:3). We should ascend from the creature to the Creator.

The strings of a viol may be the same, but the tune is altered: before this regeneration, there are spiritual pangs, much heart-breaking for sin. Regeneration is called a circumcising of the heart (Colossians 2:11). In circumcising there was pain in the flesh: so in this spiritu…

He is a pillar in the temple of God. Colossians 2:7: Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith. Unbelievers are skeptics in religion, they are unsettled; they question every truth.

3. He is coessential with God the Father. The Godhead subsists in Christ (Colossians 2:9). In whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

When a poor sinner looks upon himself, and sees his guilt, and when he looks upon God's justice and holiness, he falls down confounded, but here is that may be as cork to the net, to keep him from despair, if you will leave your sins and come to Christ, mercy can seal your pardo…

Fourth, fire is a devouring thing — a whole world would not satisfy it if it were left to burn on. And one day this whole world will be burned up by fire as punishment for enticing people. Just such are people's desires after pleasures — never satisfied. The more fuel is added,…

For thus Paul makes a special request, that he might know Christ, and the virtue of his resurrection (Philippians 3:10), that is, that he might feel in himself that power whereby Christ was raised from death to life, to raise him also from the bondage of his sins to a new life m…

The King's daughter is glorious within. Jesus Christ himself was outwardly mean, yet in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3). A soul inspired by the Almighty, and beautified with grace, does exceed others more than the light of the sun does exceed the light o…

Reason 3. Thirdly the Holy Ghost affirms (Ephesians 2; Colossians 2:13) that all men by nature are dead in sins and trespasses: not as the Papists say, weak, sick, or half dead. Hence I gather, that man lacks natural power not to will simply, but freely and frankly to will that…

Galatians 5:1: Stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ has made you free. Colossians 2:16: Let no man judge you in meat or drink. To conclude: whereas the Papists magnify these their vows and yet make no such account of the vow in baptism, we for our parts must be contrary to t…

3. It takes in our Lord's actual delivery — he not only received the sentence of absolution, but was actually set free; so that as he was pleased to put himself in prison and in straits for us, so he was brought from every step of his humiliation, from prison and from judgment,…

He has redeemed us from the curse of the law (says the Apostle, Galatians 3:13), being made a curse for us, that the blessing of Abraham might come on us Gentiles: and so Christ's death in this respect is to be looked on as a laying down of the same price that justice would have…

It may be soon cleared, if we consider, that there is a twofold obstacle in the way of sinners, partaking of life, which Christ's sufferings do remove. The 1st obstacle is a standing quarrel, between God and the elect, they having sinned, and having nothing to pay their debt; th…

So that when we come to plead and found our defense before God's throne; it is not on this, that Christ is a King, and has subdued us; but it is on this [reconstructed: ground]; that He is our Priest, and has satisfied justice for us, and paid our debt, and procured a discharge…

2. The great number of captives that our Lord in His victory, and triumph takes, and brings off; that is, He gets a great booty; which is that spoken of in the words before, By his knowledge shall many be justified; and it's that which is expressed in (Psalm 68:18), You have asc…

Therefore, We cannot know this, except it be evident, that our keeping of his commandment comes from faith, and the knowledge of God. Object. 6. Such a faith as a practical syllogism can make, is not a faith wrought by the Lord's almighty power; for the conclusion follows, but f…

The children partakers of flesh and blood (verse 14), these for whom he through death, which he tasted for all, and for whom he destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; if the devil reigns in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2), if they be born of the…

Now Antinomians lay all our perfection on Justification and Remission of sins; yet pardon of sins — except in the sense, which is a gradual accident of pardon, and not pardon itself — is not like the new moon that receives fuller and more light till it be full moon; for remissio…

And because the justification of himself which Christ spoke of as looked for from God was to be made at his resurrection (as has been said), therefore Paul here puts a 'rather' upon his resurrection. And further to establish this: as you heard before out of Romans 6:10 that in r…

Sins and devils are not only dead but triumphed over. Compare with this that other place, Colossians 2:15: 'Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in himself' — so I read it, and the Greek bears it, and so it is in the margi…

Use Christ and have Christ, use grace and have grace; grow up in the use of him, and you shall grow up in the possession of him. And therefore as you have received Christ so walk in him (Colossians 2:7-8), as if that were the way to get more rooting in Christ; labor to live by f…

Act 3. Thirdly, a man asks in humility, when he puts up his petitions with submission to God's will, he desires not that God would satisfy him in any lust, but only grant him the things that are expedient for him, so far as may stand with the good pleasure of his heavenly Father…

You know Christ waded through an estate of humiliation, and exaltation: these are the main principles of religion; that look as it was with Christ's estate, it was sometime, the time wherein he was humbled in this world, all the course of his life was a time of humiliation, and…

It is a hard saying, they thought it incredible (verse 52), they would think it a savage brutishness to fall upon him in that manner, and therefore our Savior so confesses, that it is no part of his meaning, that they should eat and drink his real body and blood: but he means th…

(1.) The dignity of his person was seen, for the Transfiguration was a ray of the divine glory. It was not the addition of any glory to Christ which he had not before, but a manifestation of the glory which he had, though obscured under the veil of our flesh, for the fullness of…

Therefore all their prophecies begin, "Thus says the Lord," as having for every particular message and errand new revelation; but on Christ the Spirit descended once for all, and commanded the belief of all and obedience to all that he should say. Therefore it is said (Colossian…

But here we may plainly see that Paul reckons idolatry and heresy among the works of the flesh, which two (as before we have said) reason esteems to be most high and excellent virtues, wisdom, religion, holiness and righteousness. Paul in Colossians 2 calls it the religion of an…

The flesh is accused, exercised with temptations, oppressed with heaviness and sorrow, bruised by this active righteousness of the law: but the spirit reigns, rejoices, and is saved by this passive and Christian righteousness, because it knows that it has a Lord in heaven at the…

Therefore the Apostle casts out these words with great displeasure and indignation: If you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing: that is to say, no profit shall redound to you of all his benefits: but he has bestowed them all upon you in vain. Hereby it appears suffic…

Behold, I Paul (says he a little after in chapter 5) do write to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing (Galatians 5:2). And (Colossians 2:16) let no man judge you in meat or drink, or in a piece of a holy day, or of a new Moon, or Sabbath day, etc. So…

And although it goes about to vex and to trouble the conscience never so much, yet she is not moved therewith. For she has Christ crucified before her eyes, who has removed out of the conscience all the offices of the law: putting out the handwriting of ordinances that was again…

There is none but the Lord Jesus only and alone, which takes away the law, kills and destroys my death in his body, and by this means spoils hell, judges, and crucifies the Devil, and throws him down into hell. To be brief, all the enemies which did before torment and oppress me…

In him we are complete. Col. 2. Election, justification, salvation, and all is done in, and by Christ. 2.

Paul says, Christ was obedient to the death of the crosse, Phil 2:8. The triumph of Christ beganne upon the crosse, Col 2:15. and he could not triumph before he had made a full, and perfect satisfaction for vs. When Christ had procured deliverance from hell, and Right to life eu…

For our sins are the swords, and spears which have crucified him (Zechariah 12:10). Secondly, this sight brings us true and lively comfort: for beholding Christ crucified, we see Paradise as it were in the midst of hell: we see the handwriting against us, canceled (Colossians 2:…

Religion that stands in the afflicting of the body, is but a shadow, and an appearance of humilitie. Col 2:23. And the true worshippers of God in the new Testament, worship him in spirit and trus, Ioh. 4. v. 24

This must be a stay to our minds, when we see more corruption, than grace in ourselves, and our obedience tainted with many spots of disobedience. The third deliverance is from the observation of the ceremonial law of Moses (Colossians 2:16). And hence arises another deliverance…

There is great reason why men should restore their brethren in all meekness: for without it there is nothing but swelling, and faction, but troubles, and tragedies. Again, as meekness is necessary for every Christian (Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:2), so it is most necessary for him…

For with whatever flourishes the unbelievers seek to shadow their superstitions, yet notwithstanding this sentence remains sure, that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). And therefore Paul (Colossians 2:23) under the word superstition, comprehends all those corr…

Can this be acceptable to God, think we? No, shall it not rather be termed superstition, which Saint Paul so much detests (Colossians 2:23)? Those which make such vows then brag in vain that they serve God therein, as if this place any way favored their conceit, because the Lord…

And afterwards he adds, that the abasing of Christ, was the beginning of his imperial dignity. As also Saint Paul says, that after Christ had taken away the handwriting which was against us, he triumphed upon the cross (Colossians 2:14). So far was it from the case then, that th…

Now, the minds of men are naturally blind to the consideration of his works, and must therefore be guided by the rule of Scripture. Though Paul includes the Sabbath in an enumeration of the shadows of the law, (Colossians 2:16,) yet, in this respect, our manner of observing it i…

"But when Christ appeared in his person, the people had a real presence of God, and not shadowy, as before." This is the reason, why Paul says, that "in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," (Colossians 2:9.) And certainly he would not be a properly qualified Media…

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver (or redeem) us from this present evil world. Such as are redeemed by Christ, are risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1). As the birds though they light upon the ground to pick up a little seed, yet immediately they take their wing…

4. Did God create our souls after his image, but we lost it, let us never leave till we are restored to God's image again. We have now got the devil's image in pride, malice, envy; let us get God's image restored, which consists in knowledge and righteousness (Colossians 3:10).…

It were well if we had such magistrates as would by their authority cover the unclean lips of those lepers in this city. 8. The evil tongue is the lying tongue (Colossians 3:9): "Lie not one to another." The Cretians were noted for liars (Titus 1:12): [illegible] "The Cretians a…

The Word is our Magna Charta for heaven; shall we be ignorant of our charter? Colossians 3:16: Let the word of God dwell in you richly. The memory must be a table-book where the Word is written.

Each one resembled the children of a king: Every child of God resembles the King of Heaven; herein God's adopting children and man's differ. A man adopts one for his son and heir that does not at all resemble him, but whoever God adopts for his child is like him; he not only bea…

He is not a consecrated person who is good only in some part, but who is all over sanctified. Therefore in Scripture grace is called a new man (Colossians 3:10), not a new eye, or a new tongue, but a new man. A good Christian, though he be sanctified but in part, yet in every pa…

Redemption was the work of his arm (Luke 1:5). In the creation God gave us ourselves, in the redemption he gave us himself: by creation we have a life in Adam, by redemption we have a life in Christ (Colossians 3:3). By creation we had a right to an earthly paradise, by redempti…

They are the Apostle's words, not answering again. And to those servants who do thus honor their masters, or family-fathers, by submission, diligence, faithfulness, love, and humble silence, for their encouragement let them take that (Colossians 3:24): Servants obey in all thing…

2. The second way of showing honor to parents is in careful obedience. Colossians 3:20: Children obey your parents in all things. Our Lord Christ herein set a pattern to children.

6. Carry it prudently towards your children. A great point of prudence is, when a parent does not provoke his children to wrath (Colossians 3:21). Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

The covetous man has more gods than one; Mammon is his God. He has a god of gold, therefore he is called an idolater (Colossians 3:5). 2. Covetousness breaks the Second Commandment: You shalt not make any graven image, you shalt not bow down thyself to them.

A soul belimed with earth cannot ascend to heavenly cogitations. (Colossians 3:5) Covetousness which is idolatry. Will Christ come into that heart where there is an idol?

While a Christian fixes his thoughts on God and glory, he does as it were tread upon the borders of the heavenly kingdom, and he peeps within the veil; as Moses who had a sight of Canaan, though he did not enter into it; so the heavenly Christian has a sight of heaven, though he…

Demas afterwards became a priest in an idol temple, says Dorotheus. 6. Covetousness will make men idolaters (Colossians 3:5): Covetousness which is idolatry. Though the covetous man will not worship graven images in the church, yet he will worship the graven image in his coin.

Second, their fiery hot and burning lusts, which prey upon and live upon this fuel. Both together make the fire spoken of here, and the comparison holds in many ways. First, because the fuel of these fires of their lusts and comforts is base — things only here below. What is the…

Secondly, in that the Author of this Epistle notes their particular sentence, and by consequence gathers this meditation out of it; that they sought a Country; Hereby all men are taught to exercise themselves in hearing and reading all the places of the Bible: even the Histories…

Meekness the Ornament, 1 Peter 3.4. Love the Bond of perfectness, Colossians 3.14. The Saints' Graces are Weapons to defend them, Wings to elevate them, Jewels to enrich them, Spices to perfume them, Stars to adorn them, Cordials to refresh them: And does not all this work for g…

This image of God has two principal parts: 1. wisdom: 2. holiness. Concerning wisdom Paul says, "Put on the new man which is created in knowledge, after the image of him which created him" (Colossians 3:10). This wisdom consists in three points: 1. in that he knew God his creato…

Question 4: What is the time appointed for prayer? Answer: Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), that is, upon all occasions: or when a man begins any business, whether it be in word or deed (Colossians 3:17): or as Daniel, who prayed three times every day (Daniel 6:11): or a…

They are hidden, first, for their invisibility; their excellency is not known to many; the world can see their infirmity, not their eminency; a saint has that internal glory as cannot be beheld by a carnal eye; the fair face is hid under a veil. 2. The righteous are hidden for t…

For when men shall be taught that for sundry points of religion they may believe as the Church believes, that the study of the Scriptures is not to be required of them, that to their good they may be barred the reading of them, so long as they know some principal things containe…

A quiet conscience never produced an unquiet conversation. The peace of God rules in the heart as an umpire in appeasing strifes — for so much that word in Colossians 3:15 imports. Wrath and strife are hugely opposed to the frame and temper of a spiritual heart, because they are…

(Romans 3:24-25) Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, etc. (Colossians 3:22) God has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might b…

He is dead, and his life is hid with Christ in God. And, he mortifies his members on earth (Colossians 3:1-4). He is redeemed from this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).

To whom coming as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men; but that's no matter; chosen of God, and precious: [reconstructed: who could we come to], but here, on a stone with life, and so noble a life as an intellectual life, and then the life of God? O death, come to your l…

This is to make John (who only prepared the way for Christ) to be the Messiah indeed (as many of the Jews thought) — that is, to think the eminent work of John's ministry (which was to humble and so prepare men for Christ) to be their attaining Christ himself. But if you be wear…

And 2. it was a law wrought into suitable dispositions in his heart; and therefore said to be a law in his heart or bowels. You may easily conceive what law it was by the subject of it, his bowels; which are still put for the most tender affections; (Colossians 3:12, bowels of m…

This is, first when a man has such respect to all the commandments of God, as that there is none of them but he greatly delights in it (Psalm 119:6) then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all your commandments: He looks at them all with such respect, as the commandm…

And truly there is a certain kind of conformity even in this very point, between the Lord Jesus and every servant of Christ; as he is weak, so are we; as he dies, so do we; as he is in his greatest debasements, and advancements, so it is with us. And hence it is that you read th…

Now if this be a thing which is so common in the mouth of the Holy Ghost, and you see was the practice of the greatest women, then upon the earth; the greatest princes in those times, the more gracious, the more diligent, and laborious in their callings: you see it will well sta…

3. Though we owe this religious friendship to all that fear God, yet some few may be chosen for our intimacy and spiritual solace. We owe it in some respects to all that fear God and must dispense the general acts of friendship to them (Acts 4:32): The multitude of them that bel…

The righteous shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. So (Colossians 3:3-4), Now our life is hidden with Christ, but when he who is our life shall appear, we shall appear with him in glory (1 John 3:2). When he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see h…

In which words he again reproves the false apostles: for they had abolished the form of Christ in the hearts of the believers, and had devised another form, that is to say, their own: as he says (Galatians 6:13): They would have you circumcised, that they might rejoice in your f…

Eph 2:6. Col 3:1. and they are in the same manner to be expounded. Moreouer, the benefits that arise of this communion with Christ in his passion, are two.

These words signify: first, to baptize by the commandment and authority of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: secondly, to baptize by and with the invocation of the name of the true God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, by the i…

This is the law of nature, and the law of nations. Paul says (Colossians 3:20), that children must obey their parents in all things. When the devil had obtained liberty to afflict Job in all things that belonged to him, save his person; he destroyed his children (Job 1:12, 18).

Here we see that the end of a man's life is to serve God in serving of man, for this is the sum of the whole law. Servants are commanded in serving their masters, to serve God, and to do whatever they do, as to God (Colossians 3:23). And so every man in his place, in dealing wit…

Besides, let them consider that though they seem to labor in vain, and to spend their strength in vain, and that their words take no more effect than if they were spoken in the wind: yet, that their judgment is with the Lord, and their work with their God (Isaiah 49:4), remember…

Moses long since gave this admonition, stand you still, and the Lord shall fight for you (Exodus 14:14). Not that he meant they should fall asleep, or be idle, but he only required they would keep this peace in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). Which if we enjoy, we shall find by…

For then they boasted themselves as being Lords of the whole world: but in the end they should feel that it is the proper and particular possession of God's children. Everlasting joy may be referred to the external estate of the Church; because God daily furnishes them with ampl…

“has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,” (Ephesians 1:3.) Though we are like dead men, yet we know that our life is secure; for it “is hid with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:3.) From this doctrine, as its source, is drawn the exhortation to rep…

But if we were honestly and firmly convinced that our happiness is in heaven, it would be easy for us to trample upon the world, to despise earthly blessings, (by the deceitful attractions of which the greater part of men are fascinated,) and to rise towards heaven. For this rea…

Profane historians applaud Crates, a Theban, because he threw into the sea his money and all that he reckoned valuable; for he did not think that he could save himself unless his wealth were lost; as if it would not have been better to bestow on others what he imagined to be mor…

This is a useless controversy; for faith cannot be separated from good works, nor do good works proceed from any other source than from faith. But Christ intended only to state, that the Lord calls us on the express condition of our being renewed by the Spirit after his image; a…

And though we are renewed by the Spirit of God, yet as our life is still hidden, (Colossians 3:3,) the manifestation of it will truly and perfectly distinguish us from strangers.

Hence we conclude, that charity is justly pronounced by Paul to be the bond of perfection, (Colossians 3:14,) and, in another passage, the

I reply: As the time was not fully come when the whole body of the Church should be gathered to its Head, he exhibited in a few persons an instance of the new life which all ought to expect. For we know that Christ was received into heaven on the condition that the life of his m…

Do not almost all cleave to the earth, as if there had been no promise of a resurrection? But while the greater part of men, forgetful of their end, fall off on all sides, let us remember that it is a virtue peculiar to believers, to seek the things which are above, (Colossians…

For so writes Saint Paul (Ephesians 6): Servants, be obedient to them that are your Masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts, as to Christ, not with service to the eye, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will o…

And therefore [reconstructed: how] preposterous course do those [illegible] [reconstructed: hot] spirits take, which use to whip and [reconstructed: pierce], yea many times to [reconstructed: harm] themselves with beating, thinking by that means to [reconstructed: merit] and win…

So says God, If the soul of your child miscarry by your negligence, his blood will I require at your hand: Think of this all you parents, take heed of placing your children in Egypt in a wicked family: Do not put them in the devil's mouth; find out a sober religious family, such…

God's glory is dear to a saint as his own salvation, and that this glory may be promoted he endeavors the conversion of souls, every convert is a member added to Christ: let us thus hallow God's name by laboring to advance piety in others; especially, let us endeavor that those…

Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, the church in their house: and, the churches of Asia. Colossians 4:15, Salute Nymphas and the church in his house. Acts 11:22, the church of Jerusalem.

In the Hebrew, they are grace. His words are not as vinegar to fret, but as salt to season others (Colossians 4:6). The roof of the mouth is called Coelum, heaven; a godly man's mouth is full of heaven; he speaks as if he had been already in heaven: The holy conference of the tw…

But the Gospel teaches us a real and personal mortification, and that we are to be holy as he is holy, perfect as he is perfect; that is, a new-covenant command (Genesis 17:1). That we should walk before him and be perfect, that we should walk after the Lord (Deuteronomy 13:4),…

The body while it is alive is sweet and savory, but as soon as ever it begins to smell, it must be buried — it cannot be kept above ground. Every living Christian is a sweet savor to God ([reconstructed: 2 Corinthians 2:13], and Colossians 4:4-6). Let your speech be savory, seas…

And here the popish sort come to be taxed, who exempt their clergy men (as they call them) from all reproofs, and ecclesiastical proceedings, in thrusting them into some monastery or other, lest their exemplary punishment should be a blemish or disparagement, to their order and…

This word may be taken in a different sense from what it had in the former verse, as meaning that seasoning of good odor, which is obtained by faith, or rather the wisdom of the Spirit. When Paul enjoins, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt," (Colossians 4:…

But if we consider the purpose for which our tongues were made, we will acknowledge, that those men are justly held guilty who unthinkingly devote them to trifling fooleries, and prostitute them to such a purpose. It is no light fault to abuse, for frivolous purposes, the time,…

1. That her speech is profitable for its matter, as a scarlet thread is precious and useful: the subject of a believer's discourse is not common, but good to the use of edifying (Ephesians 4:29). 2. It's pleasant and delightsome for its manner, like a sweet, comely and pleasant…

Another general wherein his duty consists, is provision; and that both for their temporal and spiritual good; for the welfare both of their bodies and their souls. First; as for their temporal provision, he is bound to supply them with things necessary for them according to the…

There is a sweet harmony and exact symmetry in a saint's performance of duty. Some can frame to some easier duties, not to more difficult, but the treasured soul can frame to anything which God in the word has made his duty, and hence it is that he is complete in all the will of…

"And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark." He was Barnabas's sister's son, and seems sometimes to have been a companion of the Apostle Paul: Colossians 4:10. "Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas; touc…

This made them greater than all the nations round about them (Deuteronomy 4:7-8). (2) By losing the ordinances, they lose their quickenings, comforts, and soul-refreshments; for all these are sweet streams from the Gospel fountain (Psalm 119:50; Colossians 4:8). No wonder then t…

O how welcome is a shower to the thirsty ground! Hence the little hills are said to rejoice on every side, indeed to shout for joy, and sing when a shower comes (Psalm 65:12-13); but never was shower of rain so sweetly refreshing to the thirsty earth, as Gospel-showers are to gr…

[4.] Consider what a preparative it is for something further. It is a very desirable thing to stand complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12), to be fitted and furnished for every good work, to be made ready, a people prepared for the Lord. A living principle of grace is…

Rash and indiscreet zeal may give occasion to those who seek occasion to speak against all religious zeal. Therefore walk in wisdom towards them that are without (Colossians 4:5). Religion is a most sweet and pleasant and amiable thing: let not us by our indiscretion make it a t…

No fruit in the world so apt to corrupt and taint, as the fruits of the Lips. When it is so, the Scripture calls it [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], corrupt [•]r rotten communication, Ephesians 4:29. To prevent this, the Spirit of God prescribes an excellent way to season our words,…

They all imply a common equity between masters and servants, but no equality: mutual duties, but diverse and distinct duties, appertaining to their several places. Compare with this text, that which the Apostle himself has more plainly and fully noted (Colossians 4:1) and we sha…

The well managing of their authority is generally noted in this phrase, do the same things: but more particularly in another place referred to these two branches 1. Justice. 2. Equity (Colossians 4:1). Of these in order.

1. From God's precept: That precept which requires prayer, requires secret and closet-prayer: For God's command to pray, first falls upon single persons, before it falls upon families and churches, which are made up of single persons; therefore where God has bidden you to pray,…

Now because we are so full of self-love, therefore are we so backward to this duty. 2. A second cause is, our stupid negligence; we do not gather up matter of thanksgiving, and observe God's gracious dealing with us, that we may have with what to enlarge ourselves in giving glor…

[reconstructed: Take my Yoke upon you.] 2. When you give up yourselves to God, it must be without bounds and reservations: That you may stand perfect and complete in the will of God (Colossians 4:12). That was his prayer for them.

4. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us walk wisely. Colossians 4:5. Walk wisely,, towards them that are without. 1. The Fear of God makes us walk affably.

Have you Tasted the Hony of the word? let others have a Tast with you. He who has bin in a Perfumers shop does not only himself partake of those sweet smells, but some of the perfume sticks to his cloaths, so that those who come near him partake of those perfumes: so having our…

Use 2. To press us to holy conference, both occasional and set. 1. Occasional: We are not left at random in our ordinary discourse to speak as we will; but at all times, and with all persons we should have an eye to the good of those with whom we speak (Colossians 4:6): Let your…

1. If you observe not his answer, God loses a great deal of honor and praise; for it is said, (Psalm 50:15) Call upon me in time of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Every answer of prayer makes for the glory of God: and (Colossians 4:2) Continue in pray…

The Apostle goes to God for that: Grant to your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word. And so (Colossians 4:3) he begs prayers to God to open a door of utterance for them. There is a door shut until God opens it.

Use 1. Let then every person be dealing with God about this case, every single private person for himself, and for public persons, the prayers of others are necessary. It is a common case wherein all are concerned (Colossians 4:3): Praying for us that God would open to us a door…

Do not come only in a complaining way. (Colossians 4:2) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. They are not holy requests unless we acknowledge what he has done for us, as well as desire him to do more.

We should not be always craving, always complaining, there should be a mixture of thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:6) "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" — together with the expression of our wants and desires, there must be thanksgiving for favors already r…

But now in soul-concernments we are not the like affected. It is for want of observation to discern the progress of grace, and God's dealings with the inward man (Colossians 4:2): "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." And it is for want of affection; we…

For the negative; let no corrupt, or filthy, and rotten, unsavory communication (no kind of it, no degree of it) proceed out of your mouth; but (affirmatively) that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29). So again (Ephesi…

Suffer me here to stay a while, and urge the collection with an argument or two, and yet go no further than the words, nor take other reasons than the text will afford, for it issues amain and with a full source from all particulars mentioned before, the foregoing truths meeting…

But let us who are of the day be sober: God's children must not do as others, they must be sober. 1. In their speeches; not rash, not unseemly (Colossians 4:6). Let your speech be seasoned with salt: grace must be the salt which seasons our words, and makes them savory; our word…

See Matthew 5:48. Colossians 4:12. 2 Corinthians 12:9.

5. He is godly who is good, as a Master; a godly man promotes religion in his family; he sets up piety in his house, as well as in his heart, Psalm 101. 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Joshua 24. 15. I, and my household will serve the Lord. I find it written…

We are the servants of the God of Heaven. Colossians 4:12. Epaphras a servant of Christ. Question. In what sense is a godly man a servant of God?

Pray always with all manner of prayers and supplication, watching to it with all perseverance: watch with all constancy and assiduity, shaking off all drowsiness of flesh and spirit; he calls not so much (though that may be part of his meaning) for constancy in prayer as for wat…

Go, show these things to James, as a sign he was not there; thus they met in sundry families. But this is not all, but besides this, it is said, they met every family apart, last verse; so that they did not only meet when many families could get together, but every family had a…

Ephesians 6:19. Colossians 4:3. And hereof there are two parts, or there are two Duties to be discharged by virtue of it.