A17643:409
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.
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:1 but because his sin is the cause of our sin, Paul ascribeth our destruction to him. I call that our sin, is grafted in us, & wherewith we are borne. ⟨image 81⟩The grace of God, and the gift of God in grace. Trace properly is opposed against offence,2 & the gift which proceedeth from grace, against death. Therefore grace signifieth the mere goodness of God, or his free love, whereof he gave a testimony in Christ, that he might help our misery. And the gift is the fruit of mercy, which hath come unto us, namely, reconciliation whereby we have obtained life & health, righteousness, newness of life, & whatsoever is like. Whereby we see how sottishly the schoolmen define grace, whiles they will have it to be nothing else than a quality infused into the harts of men. For grace properly is in God, the effect of grace is in us. And he saith the same grace was of one man Christ, because the father hath made him the fountain, of whose fullness all men must draw.