red while inhabitants of
earth. To them were their prayers addressed, that they might bear them
to the God of nature, and by their influence render him propitious.

Here was the appearance of humility--So sensible of their unworthiness
that they dared not approach God in their own names, or present their
own petitions--others who had ceased to sin, and been admitted to the
divine presence, must intercede for them. But this was "a voluntary
humility"--not ordered of God--a mere matter of human invention.

A mediator is indeed necessary for man since the fall; but man is not
left to choose his mediator. One every way suitable is provided,
through whom we may have access to God: "There is one God, and one
Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

The apostle further observes, that those who directed them to worship
angels, arrogated a knowledge of matters not revealed. God hath given
no intimation of such use to be made of angels, but ordered man to
approach him in the name of Christ. Those who go to God in other ways,
or depending on other intercessors, are said "not to hold the head." *
"The head of every man is Christ." + Such people will lose their
reward. "Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary
humility and worshipping of angels"--The rewards of grace are promised
to obedience but not to "willful worship, or voluntary humility." The
utmost these can hope is forgiveness.

*Verse 9. + 1 Corinthians xi. 3.

When Paul assured the Colossians that they were "complete in Christ,"
he had reference to the errors of all the deceivers who were laboring
to seduce them. Gentile philosophy is as useless to the Christian, as
Jewish rites. Christ hath the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him.
We' have only to rely on divine mercy, through faith, in him, and we
shall not be ashamed.

Such we conceive to be the sum of the instructions and warnings here
given to the Colossians. They were only to keep to the divine
directions, and seek salvation agreeably thereto, regardless of _the
traditions of men and rudiments of the world_.

All error is deviation from divine rule. To this men are tempted with
a view to honor God. This is a fruitful source of error. And when
error is once generated, it is often diffused and perpetuated by
tradition, custom, and _the rudiments of the world_.

We proceed to consider _the success which hath attended this mode of
fighting against God--that is, suggesting improvement