A17643:333
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.
14 For if they which are of the law. By an argument taken from that is impossible or absurd, he proveth that that grace which Abraham obtained of God, was not promised unto him in regard of the Legal part, or in respect of works: for if this condition had been interposed, that God would vouchsafe to adopt those only which deserve it, or which keep the law, no man should have durst to believe that it appertaineth unto him. For what man findeth such perfection in himself, that he dare resolve himself, the inheritance is due unto him by righteousness of the law? Then were faith made void: because an impossible condition doeth not only hold the minds of men in suspense, and maketh them doubtful, but also doth smite them with fear and trembling. So the effect of the promises should vanish away, because they profit nothing except they be received by faith. If our adversaries had ears to hearken to this one reason,1 then should the controversy between them and us easily come to an end. The Apostle taketh it for a thing out of all question, that the promises of God can not be effectual, except we receive them with sure affiance of mind. And what should come to pass if the salvation of man were grounded upon the keeping of the law? the consciences should have no certainty, but being vexed with a perpetual ⟨image 67⟩unquietness at length shall fall to desperation. The promise also whose performance dependeth upon an impossible thing, should vanish away without fruit. Let them go now which teach the wretched people, to save themselves by works: seeing Paul doth plainly pronounce, that the promise is made of none effect, if it depend upon works. But that is very necessary to be known, faith is made void, if it stand upon works. For thereby we both learn what faith is, and what kind of righteousness, that righteousness of works ought to be, whereunto men may boldly trust. The Apostle teacheth that faith doth perish, unless the soul rest securely in the goodness of God: faith then, is not either a naked knowledge of God or of his truth,2 neither a simple persuasion that God is, that his word is trueth it self: but a sure knowledge of the mercy of God conceived by the Gospel, which sure knowledge bringeth the peace and rest of conscience towards God.