23 Now it was not written. Because a proof taken from an example (as we have admonished above) is not alway firm, least that should come into question, Paul affirmeth plainly that in the person of Abraham was showed an example of that common righteousness, which indifferently appertaineth unto all. In this place we are admonished of making our profit of examples in the scriptures. The Heathen have truly called an history the mistress of life: but as it cometh from them, no man can safely profit in it: the scripture only doeth by right challenge that preeminence. For first it prescribeth general rules, whereunto we may bring every history for trial, that it may serve to our profit, Secondly, it clearly discerneth what deeds are to be followed, and what are to be eschewed. And as for doctrine, wherein it is chiefly conversant, it hath that peculiar to it self: as namely, it showeth the providence of the Lord, his justice and goodness towards his, and his judgements towards the reprobate. That therefore, which is said of Abraham, Paul denieth it to have been written for his cause only. For it is not a thing which pertaineth to the special calling of some one and certain person, but the manner of obtaining righteousness is described, which is one and perpetual amongest all: and ⟨p. 59⟩this description is made in him that is the father of all the faithful, upon whom the eyes of all ought to intend. Wherefore if we will handle the sacred histories purely and godly,1 we must remember they are so to be handled, that we may reap thence the fruit of sound doctrine. And partly they instruct us to frame our lives, partly to confirm our faith, partly to stir up the fear of the Lord. For the framing of our lives, the imitation of holy fathers shall help, if we learn of them sobriety, chastity, love, patience, modesty, contempt of the world, and other virtues. For the confirmation of our faith, the help of God maketh, which was alway present to them, his protection and fatherly care which he alway had over them, shall minister consolation in adversity: the judgements and punishments of God executed upon the wicked, shall help us, if they put into us a fear, which may replenish our hearts with reverence and piety. And whereas he saith: not for him only, thereby he seemeth to insinuate, that it was partly written for his sake:
23 Nowe it was not written. Because a proofe taken from an example (as wee haue admonished aboue) is not alway firme, least that shoulde come into question, Paule affirmeth plainely that in the person of Abraham was shewed an example of that common righteousnesse, which indifferently apperteineth vnto all. In this place we are admonished of making our profite of examples in the scriptures. The Heathen haue truely called an historie the mistres of life: but as it commeth from them, no man can safely profite in it: the scripture only doeth by right challenge that preheminence. For first it prescribeth generall rules, whereunto we may bring euery historie for tryall, that it may serue to our profite, Secondly, it clearely discerneth what deedes are to be followed, and what are to be eschewed. And as for doctrine, wherein it is chiefly conuersant, it hath that peculier to it selfe: as namely, it sheweth the prouidence of the Lord, his iustice and goodnesse towards his, and his iudgementes towards the reprobate. That therefore, which is said of Abraham, Paule denieth it to haue been written for his cause onely. For it is not a thing which perteineth to the speciall calling of some one and certaine person, but the maner of obteining righteousnesse is described, which is one and perpetuall amongest all: and ⟨p. 59⟩this description is made in him that is the father of all the faithful, vpon whom the eyes of all ought to intende. Wherefore if we will handle the sacred histories purely and godly,1 wee muste remember they are so to bee handeled, that we may reape thence the fruite of sounde doctrine. And partly they instruct vs to frame our liues, partly to confirme our faith, partly to stirre vp the feare of the Lord. For the framing of our liues, the imitatiō of holy fathers shall helpe, if wee learne of them sobrietie, chastitie, loue, patience, modestie, contempt of the worlde, and other vertues. For the confirmation of our faith, the helpe of God maketh, which was alway present to them, his protection and fatherly care which hee alway had ouer them, shall minister consolation in aduersitie: the iudgements and punishments of God executed vpon the wicked, shall helpe vs, if they put into vs a feare, which may replenishe our heartes with reuerence and pietie. And whereas he saith: not for him onely, thereby hee seemeth to insinuate, that it was partly written for his sake:
- 1How we ought to be occupied in the scripture.How wee ought to be occupied in the scripture.
