A17643:312
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.
6 As David &c. Here we may see they do but cavil which would hem in the works of the law, with in the compass of ceremonies. Seeing he now calleth them simply and without any addition works, 1which he called before the works of the law. If no man can deny, but a simple & unlimited speech such as we have now in hand, is indifferently to be understood of every work: the same must alway hold in the whole disputation. For there is nothing less reasonable, then to take ⟨p. 49⟩the power or force of justification away from ceremonies only, seeing Paul doeth indefinitely exclude works. Hereunto appertaineth the contrary member, that God doeth justify men by not imputing their sin. In which words also we are taught, that righteousness, with Paul is nothing else then the remission of sins. Lastly that this remission is free, because it is imputed without works: which the very name of remission showeth. For that creditor or lender which is paid doeth not remit: but he which willingly of mere liberality doeth cancel or raze out the debt. Away now with those teach us to redeem pardon of our sins by satisfactions: from which remission of sins Paul fetcheth an argument to establish the free gift of righteousness. For how is it possible they should agree with Paul? they say, by works we must satisfy the justice of God, that we may obtain pardon of our sins. On the contrary Paul reasoneth, that the righteousness of faith is free and without works: because it dependeth upon the remission of sins. This were undoubtedly a false argument, if in the remission of sins there were any regard or respect unto works at all. In like sort by the same words of the prophet, the folly of the School men is refuted touching half remission. They babble that the fault being remitted, the punishment is retained of God: but the Prophet he crieth that our sins are not only covered, that is, taken away in the sight of God: but also he addeth they are not imputed.
6 As Dauid &c. Here wee may see they doe but cauil which woulde hemme in the woorkes of the lawe, with in the compasse of ceremonies. Seing he now calleth them simply and without any additiō works, 1which he called before ye works of the law. If no man can deny, but a simple & vnlimited speeche suche as we haue now in hand, is indifferently to be vnderstood of euery woorke: the same must alway hold in the whole disputation. For there is nothinge lesse reasonable, then to take