A17643:1178
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.
5 Who is the first fruits. This is an allusion unto the ceremonies of the law. For because men are sanctified unto God by faith, they which obtain the first place in the oblation, are fitly called the first fruits. Furthermore as every one was the formest,1 in respect of time, called unto the faith, so Paul doth give unto him the prerogative of honour: But this hath place, whiles the end answereth the beginning. And surely it is a singular honour, when God vouchsafeth to chose any for first fruits. For by the continuance of time there cometh a greater and more ample proof or trial of faith, whiles they which first ⟨p. 199⟩begun, are not weary of running well. He testifieth again his thankfulness, whiles he maketh mention of those things Mary did for him. And it is sure he ascribeth these praises, that he might make them more commendable to the Romans, whom he praised.
5 Who is the first fruites. This is an allusion vnto the ceremonies of the lawe. For because men are sanctified vnto God by faith, they which obteine the first place in the oblation, are fitly called the first fruits. Furthermore as euery one was the formest,1 in respect of time, called vnto the faith, so Paul doth giue vnto him the prerogatiue of honour: But this hath place, whiles the end answereth the beginning. And surely it is a singuler honour, when God vouchsafeth to chose any for first fruites. For by the continuance of time there commeth a greater and more ample proofe or tryall of faith, whiles they which first ⟨p. 199⟩begun, are not wearie of running well. He testifieth againe his thankfulnesse, whiles he maketh mention of those things Marie did for him. And it is sure hee ascribeth these prayses, that hee might make them more commendable to the Romans, whom he praised.
- 1It is no small honour when God chooseth any for first fruits.It is no small honour when God choseth any for first fruites.