A17643:208
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.
1The verity of circumcision did consist in the spiritual promise, which required faith. The Jews neglected both, as well the promise as faith. Foolish therefore was their confidence. Whereby it cometh to pass that he omitteth here the principal use of circumcision, namely whiles he applieth his talk unto their gross error, as he doeth with the Galatians. And that is diligently to be noted. For if he should entreat of the whole nature, and property of circumcision, it were absurd that there should be no mention of grace & free promise. But in both places he speaketh according to the circumstance of the cause he handleth:2 therefore he toucheth only that part which was in controversy. They thought that circumcision of it self was a work sufficient unto the obtaining of righteousness. Therefore that he might speak according to their opinion, ⟨p. 29⟩he answereth, that if the work be respected in circumcision, this is the condition of it, that he which is circumcised, give himself to worship God wholly, and perfectly: the work therefore of circumcision is perfection. And thus we may speak of our baptism. If any trusting in the only confidence of the water of baptism, doth think himself to be justified, as though he had now gotten holiness by that work: the end of baptism is to be objected: namely that by that the Lord doth call us unto holiness of life. Here should the promise and grace, which baptism doth testify, and seal unto us, be passed over in silence: because we are to deal with those, who being content with the vain shadow of baptism, they care not, nor consider not that which is the principal in it. And this verily you are to note in Paul, when he speaketh of signs or Sacraments to the faithful, and not by contention or controversy, that his manner is to conjoin them with the efficacy, and accomplishment of their promises: when he hath to deal with overthwart and foolish interpreters of the signs or sacraments, then omitting to mention the proper & true nature of the signs or sacraments, he directeth his whole stile against their corrupt interpretation. And many because they see Paul bringeth circumcision rather then any other work of the law, do think that he taketh away righteousness from the ceremonies only. But it is far otherwise.