A17643:359
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.
21 He which had promised, was also able to perform. Because all men acknowledge the power of God, Paul seemeth to say no excellent thing of the faith of Abraham: but experience teacheth there is nothing more rare or difficult, then to give the honour which is due to the power of God. For there is no let or hinderance so small or light, whereby flesh and ⟨p. 58⟩blood imagineth not that the hand of GOD may be driven from his work. Here upon it cometh that in the least temptations whatsoever, the promises of GOD slide from us. Out of controversy no man denieth, GOD can do all: yet as soon as any thing is objected which may hinder the course of Gods promises, we throw down the power of God from his state. Wherefore, to the end it might obtain his right, and honour amongst us, when we happen upon some comparison, we must needs determine thus: that the power of God is no less sufficient to overcome all impediments, or hindrances, then the shine of the Sun is of force to disperse the clouds. We are wont to excuse that we derogate nothing from the power of God, as often as we doubt of his promises: namely,1 because this imagination, to wit, (that God hath promised more in his word then he is able to perform, which were open perversity & blasphemy against god) is not the cause of doubting, but that same defect which we feel in our selves. But we do not sufficiently advance the power of God, unless we think the same, to be greater then our weakness. Faith therefore ought not to consider our own imbecility, misery▪ and defect: but wholly to intend upon the only power of God. For if righteousness should depend upon our worthiness, it would never scale unto the consideration of the power of God. And this is the examination of incredulity, of the which he spake lately: when we measure the power of the Lord by our own foot. Neither doth faith so imagine God to be able to do whatsoever he will, that in the mean while it leaveth him sitting idly: but rather doth place his power in continual action. And specially it applieth the same power unto the effect of his word, that the hand of God might be always ready to execute whatsoever he hath uttered by his mouth. I marvel why the relative masculine did please Erasmus: for although the sense be not thereby altered, yet had I rather come near unto the Greek words of Paul.