A17643:370
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.
CHAP. 5
1 Then being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand, and glory under the hope of the glory of God.
1 THen being iustified by faith, we haue peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ: 2 By whome we haue accesse through faith into this grace wherein wee stand, and glorie vnder the hope of the glorie of God.
THEN being justified. The Apostle beginneth to illustrate that, which he hath hitherto said of the righteousness of faith, by the effects. Therefore this whole chapter consisteth upon amplifications: which are of no less force to explicate or make plain, then they are to confirm. For thee had said before, that faith was made void, if righteousness were sought for by works: Because ⟨image 74⟩a perpetual disquietness should trouble the miserable consciences, which find nothing firm and sure in themselves. Now on the contrary, he teacheth, they are quieted and pacified, after we have by faith obtained righteousness. We have peace. A singular fruit of the righteousness of faith, for if any man go about to get the peace of conscience by works (which is seen in profane and barbarous men) he goeth about it in vain. For either his heart is on sleep with the contempt or forgetfulness of Gods judgement, or else full of trembling & fear, until he repose himself upon Christ. For he only is our peace. Therefore the peace of conscience, signifieth that serenity and quietness,1 which riseth hence, that a man feeleth God is reconciled to him. Neither the Pharisee which swelleth with the false confidence of works, hath this peace: nor the secure sinner, who being drunk with the pleasure of vices, is not disquieted. For although neither of these seem to have open war, as he that is smitten with the feeling of sin, yet because they come not truly to the judgement of God, they have not peace with him. For unsensiblenesse of conscience is (as a man would say) a certain departing from God. Therefore peace towards God is opposed against the drunken security of the flesh: because this is the first thing of all, that every one might awake himself to give account of his life: and none can stand without fear before God, but he which trusteth to the free reconciliation: for as long as God is a Judge, all men must needs be terrified and troubled, which is a strong argument, that our adversaries do nothing but babble under a shadow, when they ascribe righteousness to works. For this conclusion of Paul, dependeth upon that principle, namely that the miserable consciences of men do alway shake, unless they rest in the grace of Christ.