A17643:43
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.
The eight chapter is full of consolations, least the consciences of the faithful being feared with that disobedience which he reproved before, or rather imperfect obedience, should be overthrown. But least that the wicked should take occasion hereby to flatter themselves, first he showeth that this benefit doth not appertain unto any but unto the regenerate, in whom the spirit of God liveth & is of force. Therefore he unfoldeth two things: the first, that all those which are grafted into the Lord Christ by his spirit, are freed from the danger, & fear of condemnation, howsoever they are yet laden with sins. Secondly that they which yet remain in the flesh, without the spirit of sanctification, are not partakers of this so great a benefit: then afterward he declareth how great the certainty of our trust is, seeing the spirit of God by his testimony doth drive away all doubting and wavering. Moreover by an anticipation or preventing he showeth that the assurance of eternal life cannot be interrupted or disturbed through the present miseries, whereunto, for the time of this mortal life, we are subject: but rather by such exercises, our salvation is furthered, unto the excellency whereof, if all the present miseries be compared, they are nothing. This thing he confirmeth by the example of Christ: Who as he is the first begotten, obtaining the principality in the house of God, so he is the first pattern, whereunto we ought all of us to be conformed. And therefore as unto a thing most safe and sure, he addeth a notable triumph, wherein he triumpheth courageously against the power and engines of Satan.
The eight chapter is full of consolations, least the consciences of the faythfull being feared with that disobedience which he reprooued before, or rather imperfect obedience, should be ouerthrowne. But least that the wicked should take occasiō herby to flatter thēselues, first he sheweth that this benefit doth not appertein vnto any but vnto the regenerate, in whō the spirit of God liueth & is of force. Therefore he vnfoldeth two things: the first, that all those which are graffed into the Lord Christ by his spirit, are freed frō the danger, & feare of condemnation, howsoeuer they are yet laden with sinnes. Secondly that they which yet remain in the flesh, without the spirit of sanctification, are not partakers of this so great a benefit: thē afterward he declareth howe great the certainetie of our trust is, seeing ye spirit of God by his testimony doth driue away all douting and wauering. Moreouer by an anticipation or preuenting he sheweth that the assurance of eternall life cānot be interrupted or disturbed through the presēt miseries, whereunto, for the time of this mortall life, we are subiect: but rather by such exercises, our saluation is furthered, vnto the excellencie whereof, if all the present miseries bee compared, they are nothing. This thing he confirmeth by the example of Christ: Who as he is the first begotten, obteining the principalitie in the house of God, so he is the first paterne, whereunto we ought all of vs to be conformed. And therfore as vnto a thing most safe and sure, hee addeth a notable triumphe, wherein he triumpheth couragiously against the power and engines of Satan.