Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

For seeing so many men of excellent learning, before this have taken great pains in the interpreting hereof, it is to be supposed, there remaineth no place for others to better that they have already done. And I must needs confess, that notwithstanding I was persuaded my work would be of some value, yet this cogitation at the first did terrify me, for I feared to incur the reproach of rashness, if after so many cunning workmen I should lay hand to this work. There are many Commentaries upon this Epistle, both of the elder, and latter writers. And surely surely they could no where better have bestowed their labour: seeing if a man understand it, he hath a certain way opened unto him, to the understanding of the whole Scripture. I will speak nothing of the old writers: who for their piety, knowledge, sanctimony, and antiquity, are of such authority that we ought to contemn nothing, which hath proceeded from them. And name by name to recite all those that live at this day were to no purpose. Therefore I will declare my mind touching those who have bestowed special pains herein. Philip Melanchthon according to that singular knowledge, industry, and dexterity, Whereby he excelleth in all kind of learning above those which came forth before him, hath given great light. But because as it may seem, his purpose was only to discuss the principal things: whiles he stayeth in them, wittingly he passeth by many things, which may greatly trouble a simple wit. After him cometh Bullinger, who also for his merits hath gotten great praise. For he had an easiness coupled with his learning, wherein he greatly approved himself.

For seeing so many men of excellent learning, before this haue taken great paines in the interpreting heereof, it is to bee supposed, there remaineth no place for others to better that they haue alreadie done. And I must needes confesse, that notwithstanding I was persuaded my worke woulde bee of some value, yet this cogitation at the first did terrifie mee, for I feared to incurre the reproch of rashnesse, if after so many cunning workemen I should lay hand to this worke. There are many Commentaries vpon this Epistle, both of the elder, and latter writers. And surely surely they coulde no where better haue bestowed their labour: seeing if a man vnderstand it, he hath a certaine way opened vnto him, to the vnderstanding of the whole Scripture. I will speake nothing of the olde writers: who for their pietie, knowlege, sanctimonie, and antiquitie, are of such authoritie that wee ought to contemne nothing, which hath proceeded from them. And name by name to recite all those that liue at this day were to no purpose. Therfore I wil declare my mind touching those who haue bestowed speciall paines heerein. Philip Melancthon according to that singuler knowledge, industrie, and dexteritie, Whereby hee excelleth in all kinde of learning aboue those whiche came foorth before him, hath giuen great light. But because as it may seeme, his purpose was only to discusse the principall things: whiles hee stayeth in them, wittingly hee passeth by many thinges, which may greatly trouble a simple wit. After him commeth Bullinger, who also for his merites hath gotten great prayse. For he had an easinesse coupled with his learning, wherein hee greatly approued himselfe.