A17643:101
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans
A commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, written in Latin by M. John Calvin, and newly translated into English by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessary table for the better and more ready finding out of certain principal matters contained in this workA commentarie vpon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes, written in Latine by M. Iohn Caluin, and newely translated into Englishe by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessarie table for the better and more readie finding out of certayne principall matters conteyned in this worke
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison and George Bishop, 1583London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison and George Bishop, 1583
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Whereupon it followeth, that they do as it were purposely refuse the power of GOD: and repel far from them his hand of deliverance, which withdraw themselves from the hearing of the word. But because it worketh not effectually in all, but only where the spirit the inward teacher lighteneth ⟨p. 10⟩their hearts: therefore he addeth, to every one that believeth. Indeed the Gospel is offered all men to salvation: but the power thereof appeareth not every where. And whereas it is the savour of death unto the wicked,1 that cometh not so much of the nature of the Gospel, as of their malignity and wickedness. By declaring one salvation, he cutteth off all other confidence: from which only and sole salvation, whiles the wicked withdraw them selves, they have a certain manifestation of their destruction in the Gospel. Therefore seeing the Gospel doeth indifferently call all men unto salvation, it is properly called the doctrine of salvation. For Christ is offered in it, whose proper office is to save that was lost. And those which refuse to be saved by him, shall find him a Judge. Yet every where in the Scriptures this word salvation is simply opposed against destruction. Therefore when it is named we are to regard what thing is spoken of. Seeing therefore the Gospel doeth deliver from the destruction and curse of eternal death, the salvation thereof is life eternal. To the Jew first and also to the Grecian. 2Under the name of Grecians now he containeth all the Gentiles, as may appear by his division wherein he hath comprehended all men under two members. And it is like that he chose this nation of Grecians chiefly, to set out other nations by them, because it was first, after the Jews, admitted into the communion or fellowship of the covenant of the Gospel: Secondly, because both for nighness, and famousness of tongue the Grecians were best known to the Jews.3 It is therefore the figure Synecdoche wherein generally he conjoineth the Gentiles to the Jews in the participation of the Gospel: yet notwithstanding he putteth not the Jews down from their degree and order, in as much as they were the first in the promise and calling. Therefore he reserveth for them their prerogative: but forthwith he adjoineth the Gentiles, albeit in a lower degree, partakers with them.