A17643:39
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.
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.
After this hee handeleth that more at large, whiche hee had briefly touched before: namely, that there is no cause why the Iewes shold aduance themselues aboue the gentiles, who are partakers of the same felicitie with them, seeyng the Scripture declareth righteousnesse to haue happened vnto Abraham when hee was vncircumcised. In which place hee taketh occasion to intreate of the vse of circumcision. After this he addeth that the promised saluation doth depend vpon the onely goodnes of God: for if it depended vpon the law, then could it neither bring peace vnto our consciences, wherein it ought to be firmely rooted, neyther were it like euer to come vnto his perfection. Wherefore, that it may be firme and sure, in imbracing of it, we are to consider the onely truth of God, and not our selues: and that after the example of Abraham, who not considering himselfe, did wholly set before him the power of God. In the ende of the Chapter, to the intent hee might more aptlye applye the alleadged example vnto the generall cause, hee conferreth those thinges which on both sides are like.
In the fifth Chapter, after he hath touched the fruit & effect of the righteousness of faith, he is almost wholly occupied in amplifications, which serve to make the matter more clear. For by an argument taken from the greater, he showeth how great things, we now being redeemed, & reconciled unto God, are to expect & look for at his hands through his love: which was so bountiful towards us being sinners, utterly undone. & cast away, that he gave unto us his only begotten, & only beloved son. After this he compareth sin with