A17643:1091
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.
4 For whatsoever things. This is the application of the example, least any should think this to be too far fetched, that he should ⟨p. 188⟩exhort us to the imitation of Christ. Yea verily (quoth he) there is nothing in the Scriptures which may not serve to your learning, and institution of your life. A notable place, wherein whiles we understand there is no vain, or unprofitable thing contained in the oracles of God, withal we are also taught to profit in the reading of the Scripture unto piety, and holiness of life. Whatsoever then is set down in Scripture, let us labour to learn it. For it were contumely against the holy spirit, if we should think he hath taught any thing, which were not material for us to know: secondly whatsoever is taught there, let us know, it doth tend to the increase of godliness.1 And although he speak of the old Testament, yet is the same to be understood also of the writings of the Apostles. For if the spirit of God he every where like it self, there is no doubt but now by the Apostles, as in old time by the Prophets, he hath tempered his doctrine to the edification of his. Furthermore, by this place fanatical spirits are notably overthrown, who brag that the old Testament is done away, and belongeth not at all to Christians. For with what face can they turn Christians from those things, which Paul testifieth to be ordained of God, unto their salvation? And whereas he addeth, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope, it comprehendeth not, all the parts of that profit, which is to be gathered by the word of God: but briefly noteth the chief end. For hereunto specially serve the Scriptures, that they might erect the minds of men: (Being prepared unto patience, and strengthened by consolations) unto the hope of eternal life, and keep them in the meditation thereof. The word exhortation, for the which others translate consolation, is not disliked of me: but that consolation agreeth better with patience, because this ariseth, out of that. For then are we prepared to bear adversities patiently, when the Lord doth temper them with consolation. For the patience of the godly, is not that hardness which the Philosophers command:
4 For whatsoeuer things. This is the application of the exāple, least any should think this to be too far fetched, yt he shold ⟨p. 188⟩