Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

The whole Epistle is so methodical, that the very entrance of it, is framed according to art. The workmanship whereof as it is to be seen in many things, which shall be observed in their places, so specially in that, that the principal argument is drawn hence. For he having begun with the confirmation of his Apostleship, descendeth thence to the commendation of the gospel: which because it doth necessarily bring with it the disputation of faith, he passeth thereunto, the words of the text (as a man would say) even leading him by the hand. And so he entereth into the principal question of the whole Epistle, Sciliz. that we are justified by faith. Wherein he is occupied unto the end of the 5. Chapter. Let us therefore put ⟨image 10⟩down the general proposition of these Chapters, to say, The mercy of God in Christ is the only righteousness unto men, whiles it being offered by the Gospel, is apprehended by faith. But because men are so secure in their sins, and flatter, & deceive themselves with a false imagination of righteousness, that they think they stand in no need of the righteousness of faith, except now they be cast down from all trust in themselves: again, they are so delighted with the sweetness of carnal lusts, and sound a sleep in great security, that they are not easily raised up to seek after righteousness, unless they be smitten with the terror of Gods judgement. Therefore he doth not only convince them of their iniquity, but also being convicted doth rouse them from their drowsiness.

The whole Epistleis so methodicall, that the very entrance of it, is framed according to art. The workmanship whereof as it is to be seene in many things, which shalbe obserued in their places, so specially in that, that the principall argument is drawen hence. For he hauing begun with the confirmation of his Apostleship, descendeth thence to the cōmendation of the gospel: which because it doth necessarily bring with it the disputation of faith, he passeth thereunto, the wordes of the text (as a man would say) euen leading him by the hande. And so hee entreth into the principall question of the whole Epistle, Sciliz. that wee are iustified by faith. Wherin he is occupied vnto the end of the 5. Chapter. Let vs therefore put ⟨image 10⟩downe the generall proposition of these Chapters, to say, The mercie of God in Christ is the onely righteousnesse vnto men, whiles it beeing offered by the Gospel, is apprehended by faith. But because men are so secure in their sinnes, and flatter, & deceiue themselues with a false imagination of righteousnesse, that they thinke they stande in no neede of the righteousnesse of faith, except nowe they be cast downe from all trust in themselues: againe, they are so delghted with the sweetnesse of carnall lustes, and sounde a sleepe in great securitie, that they are not easily raysed vp to seeke after righteousnesse, vnlesse they be smitten with the terrour of Gods iudgement. Therefore hee doth not onely conuince them of their iniquitie, but also being cōuicted doth rouse them from their drowsinesse.