A17643:157
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.
Neither is it without special force, that he expresseth again the name of man, that he might compare man with God.
Neither is it without speciall force, that he expresseth agayne the name of man, that he might compare man with God.
4 Or despisest thou the riches, &c. I do not think with many that there is here a Dilemma: 1but a Preoccupation. For because Hypocrites for the most part are puffed up with the prosperous success of things, as though by their good works they had merited the clemency of the Lord, and so they are more hardened in the contempt of God: the Apostle meeteth with their arrogance: and by an argument taken from the contrary cause, he showeth there is nothing should move them to think by reason of their external prosperity that GOD is pleased with them, seeing the purpose of God in doing good, is far otherwise, namely that he might convert sinners unto him. Therefore where the fear of God reigneth not,2 security in prosperous affairs, is a contempt and mockery of his incomprehensible goodness. Whereupon it ensueth that they shall suffer more grievous punishments, whom GOD hath spared in this life, because unto their other wickedness this hath been added, that they have refused the fatherly calling of GOD. And although all the benefits of God are so many testimonies of his fatherly goodness: yet because he often respecteth a diverse end, the godless do wickedly to flatter themselves in their prosperity as though they were beloved of him, whiles he nourisheth them tenderly, and bountifully. not knowing that the bountifulness &c. For GOD by his levity declareth himself unto us, that it is he unto whom we ought to be converted, if we desire to be well: and together he cheereth up the confidence of looking for mercy. If we use not the bountifulness of GOD to this end, we abuse it: Although it is not always to be taken after the same manner. For whiles the Lord doeth deal favourably with his servants,