A17643:1038
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.
Wherein yet there is great diversity. For the man whatsoever he be, we ought to leave him to the judgement of God. As for his deeds we may not determine of them according to our own ⟨p. 179⟩estimation: but according to the word of God. For that judgement which is taken from the word of God is neither mans judgement, nor unfit. Paul therefore here would drive us from all temerous and rash judgement,1 whereinto they fall which dare judge of the deeds of men besides the word of God. He standeth or falleth to his own Lord. As though he said, the Lord properly hath this authority to reprove or accept that the servant doeth: therefore he is injurious to the Lord, who so goeth about to take this authority unto him. Whereas he addeth, yea, he shall stand. Thereby he commandeth us not only to abstain from condemning, but also exhorteth unto courtesy and humanity, that we should alway hope well of him, in whom we discern any portion of true godliness. Seeing GOD hath put us in hope, that he will fully confirm them, and bring them on to perfection, in whom he hath begun the work of his grace. For in that he reasoneth from the power of GOD, he doeth it not simply, as though he said, God can do it, if he would: but he joineth the will of God with his power, as the manner of the Scripture is. And yet he defineth not here, any perpetuity: as though they must needs stand unto the end, whom God hath once erected: but only admonisheth, that we should hope well, and that our judgements should lean this way: as he also teacheth in another place, saying,2 he which hath begun in you a good work, will perform it to the end. To be short, Paul showeth to what side the judgements of such men ought to sway, in whom, charity doeth flourish or abound.
Wherein yet there is greate diuersitie. For the manne whatsoeuer he be, we ought to leaue him to ye iudgement of God. As for his deeds we may not determine of thē according to our own ⟨p. 179⟩estimation: but according to the woorde of God. For that iudgement which is taken from the woorde of God is neyther mans iudgement, nor vnfit. Paule therefore heere would driue vs from all temerous and rashe iudgement,