A17643:644
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.
30 And whom he hath predestinate, them also he called. Now that he might in a clearer sort prove how true it is, that that conformation or conformity and likeliness with the humility of Christ, is healthful to us, he useth a gradation, wherein he teacheth, that the society of the cross is so linked with our vocation, justification & glorification, that they cannot be separated. Howbeit that the readers might better understand the meaning of the Apostle, they are to remember that, I admonished before, namely,1 that the word predestinate, noteth not election, but the purpose or decree of God, whereby he hath ordained for his a cross to be borne: & now teaching that the same are called, he signifieth that God doth not hold ye close within himself which he hath determined ⟨image 123⟩of them, but hath disclosed it: that they might quietly and patiently undertake the condition laid upon them. For here vocation or calling, as the inferior is distinguished from secret election. Least any therefore should object, that no man knoweth what condition God hath appointed for him: the Apostle saith, God by his calling hath openly testified of his secrete counsel. And this testimony consisteth not in the sole external preaching, but it hath the efficacy of the spirit coupled: because the speech is of the elect, whom God doth not only speak unto by voice, but also inwardly draweth. Justification might fitly be extended unto the continual tenor of the grace of God, even from the time of our calling unto the hour of death: but because Paul in the whole Epistle useth this word for the free imputation of righteousness, no necessity doth compel to decline from this sense. For the counsel of Paul is this, that there is a more precious reward offered, then that we ought to refuse afflictions. For what is more to be wished for, then to be reconciled to God, that our miseries be no more tokens of malediction or curse, neither tend to our destruction? Therefore he addeth straightways, that the same are glorified, who are now pressed with the cross, so that their miseries and reproaches damage them nothing at all. Although glorification is not yet exhibited but in our head, yet because we do in a manner see in him now the inheritance of eternal life, his glory bringeth such assurance of our glory to us, that worthily our hope is matched or compared to present possession.