A17643:540
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 to what purpose were this correction, except some part were free from fault? and therefore not carnal. Under the name of flesh he always comprehendeth all the gifts of mans nature, and also what so ever is in man, besides the sanctification of the spirit. As under the name spirit, which he is wont to oppose against the flesh, he signifieth that part of the soul, with being purged from corruption, the spirit of God hath so fashioned it, that the image of God, doeth appear in it.
For to what purpose were this correction, excepte some parte were free from faulte? and therefore not carnall. Vnder the name of fleshe hee alwayes comprehendeth all the gyftes of mans nature, and also what so euer is in man, besides the sanctification of the spirite. As vnder the name spirite, which hee is wont to oppose agaynst the fleshe, he signifieth that part of the soule, wt being purged from corruption, the spirite of God hath so fashioned it, that the image of God, doeth appeare in it.
Both these names therefore, as well of the flesh as the spirit agree unto the soul:1 but the one unto that part of the soul which is regenerate, the other unto that which retaineth still his natural affection, To will is present with me. His meaning is not, that he had nothing but an uneffectuall desire: but he denieth that the efficacy of the work answered his will: because the flesh hindered him, that he could not exactly do that he did. And so also understand that which followeth, namely, to do the evil he would not: because the flesh of the godly doth not only let them, that they cannot run speedily: but also putteth many impediments in their way whereat they stumble. They do it not therefore,2 because they perform it not with such alacrity as were meet. Wherefore this will he speaketh of, is the readiness of faith, whiles the holy spirit doth so frame the godly, that they are ready, and study to give their members to obey the Lord. And because their strength is not sufficient, Paul saith, he found not that were to be wished: namely the effect of a good desire.