A17643:626
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.
25 But if we hope for that we see not, we do with patience abide for it.
25 But if we hope for that we see not, we doe with patience abide for it.
23 And not only. There are some who think the Apostles mind here, is to exaggerate the dignity of our blessedness to come, because all things wish for it with fervent desire: not only the unreasonable creatures, but we also who are regenerate by the spirit of God. Which sentence truly may be defended. Yet it seemeth unto me to be a comparison of the greater & the lesser: as though he said, the excellency of our glory to come is of so great price to the elements also wanting sense and reason, that they burn with a certain desire of it: much more ought we who are illuminated by the spirit of God, both by firmness of faith, and contention of study aspire and strive unto so passing a good thing. And he requireth a twofold affection in the faithful: namely that they being pressed with the feeling of the present misery, mourn.1 Secondly, that nevertheless they do patiently expect a deliverance. For he would that they being lift up with the expectation of the blessedness to come, should with stoutness of mind overcome all the present evils: that they might not consider, what they are, but what they shall be. Which have the first beginnings. Whereas some interpret first fruits, a rare, & singular excellency, that I like not at all: & therefore to avoid doubtfulness, I choose rather to translate it, first beginnings. For I do not with them take it to be spoken of ⟨image 119⟩the Apostles only, but of all the faithful, who in this world are only sprinkled with drops of the spirit, or certainly when they have profited very well, being endued with a certain measure thereof, are yet far from the perfection thereof. These therefore are unto the Apostle the first beginnings or first fruits. Whereunto the whole or entire increase is opposed. For seeing we are not yet endued with fullness, it is no marvel though we be moved with disquietness. And whereas he repeateth, we our selves, & addeth in our selves, that he doth for the more vehemency, that he might express a more fervent desire. And he doth not only name & desire, but a mourning: for where there is a feeling of misery, there is also mourning. Expecting the adoption. Adoption here improperly yet not without good reason,