A17643:37
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.
The Argument of the Epistle to the Romans.The Argument of the Epistle to the Romanes.
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.
In the 4. chap. he argueth from an example, which, because it was clear and therefore free from cavillations, he putteth it down: to wit, in Abraham, who, in as much as he is the father of the faithful, ought too be in stead ⟨image 11⟩of a rule & general example. Having therefore proved him to be justified by faith, he teacheth that the same way is to be holden of us,
In the 4. chap. he argueth frō an example, which, because it was cleere and therefore free from cauillations, he putteth it downe: to wit, in Abraham, who, in as muche as hee is the father of the faithfull, ought too bee in steede ⟨image 11⟩of a rule & generall example. Hauing therfore proued him to be iustified by faith, he teacheth that the same way is to be holden of vs,
And hereupon he inferreth, by the comparing of contraries, to follow, that the righteousness of works must vanish where place is given to the justification of faith. Which thing he proveth by the testimony of David, who reposing all the blessedness of man in the mercy of God, doth take this from works, that they should make a man blessed.
And heereupon hee inferreth, by the comparing of contraries, to followe, that the righteousnesse of workes must vanish where place is giuen to the iustification of faith. Which thing he proueth by the testimonie of Dauid, who reposing all the blessednes of man in the mercy of God, doth take this from works, that they should make a man blessed.
After this he handleth that more at large, which he had briefly touched before: namely, that there is no cause why the Jews should advance themselves above the gentiles, who are partakers of the same felicity with them, seeing the Scripture declareth righteousness to have happened unto Abraham when he was uncircumcised. In which place he taketh occasion to entreat of the use of circumcision. After this he addeth that the promised salvation doth depend upon the only goodness of God: for if it depended upon the law, then could it neither bring peace unto our consciences, wherein it ought to be firmly rooted, neither were it like ever to come unto his perfection. Wherefore, that it may be firm and sure, in embracing of it, we are to consider the only truth of God, and not our selves: and that after the example of Abraham, who not considering himself, did wholly set before him the power of God. In the end of the Chapter, to the intent he might more aptly apply the alleged example unto the general cause, he conferreth those things which on both sides are like.