A17643:254
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.
Finally, as it is a bridle to restrain our naughtiness: so if it be wanting, we are loosed unto all kind of licentious wickedness.1 And least any should think these testimonies were unfunny wrested: let us consider every one of them according to the circumstances of the places whence they are taken. David saith, there was so great perversity or naughtiness of nature in men, that God having beholden them all in order, he could not find one just. It followeth therefore that this mischief went over all mankind, seeing nothing is hid from the sight of God. He speaketh verily in the end of the Psalm of the redemption of Israel: But straightways we shall show in what manner holy men, and how far forth they are exempted from this condition. In the other Psalms he complaineth of the wickedness of his enemies, where under himself and his, he portrayeth a certain type of the kingdom of Christ: wherefore under his adversaries all those are represented unto us which being estranged from Christ, are not lead by his spirit. Isaiah doth expressly note Israel: Therefore his accusation doth the more agree unto the gentiles. What then? There is no question, but the nature of men is described ⟨p. 37⟩under these terms: that thereby we might see, what man is, being left unto him self: in as much as Scripture testifieth all to be such, which are not regenerate by the grace of God.2
Finally, as it is a bridle to restraine our naughtinesse: so if it be wanting, wee are loosed vnto all kinde of licentious wickednesse.1 And least any should thinke these testimonies were vnfu•y wrested: let vs consider euery one of them according to the circumstances of the places whence they are taken. Dauid saith, there was so great peruersitie or naughtinesse of nature in men, that God hauing beholden them all in order, hee could not finde one iuste. It followeth therefore that this mischief went ouer all mankinde, seeing nothing is hid from the sight of God. He speaketh verily in the ende of the Psalme of the redemption of Israell: But straightwayes we shall shewe in what manner holy men, and how farrefoorth they are exempted from this condition. In the other Psalmes hee complaineth of the wickednesse of his enemies, where vnder himselfe and his, hee portraieth a certaine type of the kingdome of Christ: wherefore vnder his aduersaries all those are represented vnto vs which being estraunged from Christ, are not lead by his spirit. Esay doth expresly note Israel: Therfore his accusatiō doth ye more agree vnto ye gētiles. What then? There is no questiō, but ye nature of mē is described