A17643:435
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.
4 Being buried then with him. Now he beginneth to show, although he do not plainly declare, whereunto it appertaineth that we are baptized into the death of Christ: namely, that we being dead unto our selves, might become new men. For from the participation of his death, he passeth conveniently unto the participation of life: because these two hang together by an inseparable connection:1 namely, the old man to be abolished by the death of Christ, that his resurrection might restore righteousness, and make us new creatures. And surely seeing Christ is given us unto life, to what end should we die with him, except we might rise again unto a better life? And therefore to no other end hath he flayed that is mortal in us, but that he might truly quicken us. Furthermore, let us note that the Apostle doth not simply here exhort us to imitate Christ, as if he said the death of Christ is in steed of an example, which all Christians ought to follow. For he surely goeth higher, delivering doctrine, out of the which afterward he draweth exhortation, as it is easy. And this is the doctrine, that the death of Christ is effectual to extinguish and banish the pravity of the flesh: and his resurrection to raise up the newness ⟨p. 72⟩of a better nature: and that by baptism we are received into the participation of this grace. This foundation being laid, a man may very aptly exhort Christians, that they strive to answer their calling. Moreover, it forceth not that this virtue doeth not appear in all those are baptized. For Paul after his manner, because he speaketh unto the faithful, conjoineth the substance & effect with the external sign. For we know that by their faith is established & ratified whatsoever the Lord offereth by the visible pledge. To be brief he teacheth what is the verity of baptism rightly received. So to the Galatians he testifieth,2 that all they whosoever are baptised in Christ have put on Christ. For so a man must say so long as the institution of the Lord, and the faith of the godly agree together, For we never have bare and idle signs, but when our unthankfulness and wickedness hindereth the working of Gods bountifulness. By the glory of the father: That is, through his notable power, whereby he hath declared himself truly glorious, and hath (as it were) manifested the greatness of his glory.