A17643:117
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.
22 When they professed. Out of this place commonly they take an argument, to think that Paul hath here to do with Philosophers, who specially challenged unto them selves the praise of wisdom. And they think this to be the course of Pauls disputation, that the excellency of the great Doctors being beaten down, it might consequently follow, that there was nothing praise worthy in the common sort of people.
22 When they professed. Out of this place commonlye they take an argumente, to thinke that Paule hath heere to doe with Philosophers, who speciallye challenged vnto them selues the prayse of wisedome. And they thinke this to bee the course of Paules disputation, that the excellencie of the great Doctours beyng beaten downe, it might consequētly follow, that there was nothing prayse worthie in the common sort of people.
But they seem unto me to have over slender a reason to move them. For this thing was not peculiar unto the Philosophers, that they should think them selves wise in the knowledge of God: but it was a thing common to the Gentiles, of what degree or order soever they were. Fore there was none, which would not bring the majesty of GOD under his capacity: and make God such one as he could conceive in his own sense. This temerity is not learned (I say) in schools, but being engrafted in us, doeth come together with us (that I may say so) even forth of our mothers womb.1
But they seeme vnto mee to haue ouer slender a reason to mooue them. For this thing was not peculiar vnto the Philosophers, that they shoulde thinke them selues wise in the knowledge of God: but it was a thinge common to the Gentiles, of what degree or order soeuer they were. Fore there was none, whiche woulde not bring the maiestye of GOD vnder his capacitye: and make God suche one as hee could conceiue in his owne sence. This temeritie is not learned (I saye) in schooles, but beeyng ingraffed in vs, doeth come together with vs (that I maye saye so) euen foorth of our mothers wombe.1