A17643:226
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.
This place is notable, and containeth very necessary consolation: for such is the perversity of men in refusing or contemning the word of GOD, that the certainty thereof should often come into question, except it came to our remembrance that the trueth of God dependeth not upon mans verity. But how agreeth this with that was said immediately before, namely, that the faith of men which may receive the promise,1 is required that the promise of GOD might be effectual? For faith is contrary unto lying. It seemeth to be an hard question, yet it is easily resolved: to wit, that the Lord by the lies of men, (which otherwise are hinderances unto his trueth) will yet find unto him self a way where there is no way, that he may overcome,2 by ⟨image 46⟩correcting in his elect that incredulity is grafted in our nature, and by subjecting into his obedience such as do seem to be unruly. Finally now the disputation is of the corruption of nature, and nor of the grace of God, which is the remedy of the said corruption. That thou mightest be justified. The meaning is, it is so far off that the truth of God should be destroyed by our lie and unfaithfulness,3 that thereby it is made more apparent and manifest, As David testifieth saying, that therefore because he was a sinner, God was alway a just, and righteous judge, what soever he decreed against him: and that he should overcome all the reproaches of the wicked, which would murmur against his righteousness.4 By the sayings of God. David understandeth judgements which he bringeth forth against us. For whereas they commonly expound it of the promises, that is too much wrested. Therefore this particle that, is not only final, neither noteth a consequence far fetched, but is of as much value as an illation, Inferring or bringing in, to this sense: I have sinned against thee, therefore thou mayest by right punish me. And that Paul hath alleged the place of David in his proper and natural sense the objection added a little after doth prove, how shall the righteousness of God abide perfect, if our iniquity set it forth? For in vain (as I have partly showed a little before) and out of season should Paul stay the readers upon this doubt, except David did understand that God by his wonderful providence doeth get praise unto his righteousness,