A17643:702
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.
11 For ere the children were borne. Now he beginneth to ascend higher: namely, to show the reason of this diversity, which he teacheth doth not consist in any thing else, then the election of God. For hitherto he had touched in few words, that there was a difference amongest the carnal sons of Abraham: namely, notwithstanding they were all by circumcision adopted into the fellowship of the covenant, yet the grace of God was not effectual in them all: and that they therefore are the sons of the promise, who enjoy the benefits of God. But whence that came, he had either not spoken of it, or else he had obscurely insinuated it. But now he doth plainly refer the whole cause, unto the election of God, and the same free, and such as doth not depend upon men: that in the salvation of the godly nothing might be sought for above the goodness of God: and in the destruction of the reprobate, nothing above his just severity.1 Let this therefore be the first proposition, as the blessing of the covenant, doth separate the people of Israel from all other nations: so also the election of God discerneth the men of that nation, whiles he predestinateth some unto salvation, and other ⟨p. 120⟩some unto condemnation. The 2. proposition is, that there is no other foundation of that election then the mere goodness of God, and also mercy, since the fall of Adam,2 which mercy (not for any consideration of works at all) embraceth whom it pleaseth. The third proposition, that the Lord in this his free election is at liberty and loose from that necessity,3 that he should indifferently impart the same grace unto all. But rather whom he will he passeth over, and whom he will he chooseth. All these things doeth Paul comprise briefly in one sentence, then afterward he will prosecute the rest. Finally in these words, when they were not yet borne, or had done good or evil, he declareth that God in putting of a difference, could not have respect to the works, which were not yet. And they which reason to the contrary, saying, that doth not let, but the election of God may discern between men, according to their merits, because God doth foresee by the works to come, who will be worthy or unworthy of his grace: do not see more then the Apostle, but fall in that principle of religion, which ought to be very well known to all Christians: