A17643:408
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.
For albeit he oftentimes maketh mention of the difference, yet maketh he mention thereof no where but there is a defect, or at the least some eclipse, which verily are faults in speech, yet such as are not prejudicial to the majesty of the celestial wisdom is delivered unto us by the Apostle. But rather it is brought to pass by the singular providence of God, that under a base stile, these high mysteries should be delivered unto us: that our faith might not depend upon the power of humane eloquence, but upon the only efficacy of the spirit.
For albeit hee oftentimes maketh mention of the difference, yet maketh hee mention thereof no where but there is a defecte, or at the least some eclipse, whiche verily are faultes in speeche, yet such as are not preiudiciall to the maiestie of the celestiall wisedome is deliuered vnto vs by the Apostle. But rather it is brought to passe by the singuler prouidence of God, that vnder a base stile, these high mysteries should be deliuered vnto vs: that our fayth might not depende vppon the power of humane eloquence, but vppon the onely efficacie of the spirite.
And he doeth not here as yet precisely unfold that manner of correction: but simply he teacheth there is a greater measure of grace purchased by Christ, then of condemnation contracted by the first man. Whereas some think the Apostle disputeth or frameth an argument here, I know not whither all will approve of it or no. In deed it might (& that not unaptly) be inferred, if the fall of Adam were of such force to the destruction of many, much more effectual is the grace of God to the benefit of many: seeing it is granted, that Christ is of far greater power to save, then Adam to destroy. But because they can not be refuted, if any will take it, without an illation or conclusion: for me they shall choose whither sentence they will. Albeit that which next followeth cannot be counted an illation or conclusion: & yet is it of the same nature. Whereby it is like, that Paul doth simply correct, or by exception moderate ye, which he said of the similitude of Christ & Adā. And note, that here, mo are not compared with many (for the question is not of the multitude of men) but he reasoneth thus, seeing the sin of Adam did destroy many, the righteousness of Christ hath no less power to save many. Where as he saith we perished by the offence of one, understand it thus: because corruption is descended from him to us. For we do not so perish through his fault, as though we were without fault our selves: