A17643:721
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.
18 Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will. Here followeth the conclusion of both members: which can not any way be understood in the person of any other then of the Apostle: ⟨image 139⟩because straightways he addeth a communication with the adversary, when he beginneth to bring forth such things as may be objected of the contrary part. Therefore it is not to be doubted but Paul speaketh these of his own sense, as we have admonished a little before, namely, that God according to his pleasure, vouchsafeth whom he seeth good of mercy: and draweth forth the severity of judgement against whom he list. For this he goeth about to bring to pass amongest us, that concerning the diversity is between the elect and reprobate, our mind might be content with this, namely, that it hath so pleased God, to illuminate some unto salvation, and blind othersome unto death: and not seek for any cause above his will. For we must stand upon these particles, of whom he will, and whom he will: Beyond that which he doeth not suffer us to pass. But the word harden, 1when in the Scriptures it is attributed to GOD, it doth not only signify (as certain tempering moderators would have it) a permission or suffering, but also the action of Gods wrath. For all external things, which make to the excecation of the reprobate, are the instruments of his wrath. And Satan him self, which inwardly worketh effectually, is so far forth his minister, that he worketh not but at his commandment.
18 Therefore he hath mercie on whom he will. Heere followeth the conclusion of both members: which can not any way bee vnderstoode in the person of any other then of the Apostle: ⟨image 139⟩because straightwayes he addeth a communication with the aduersary, when he beginneth to bring foorth such things as may be obiected of the contrary part. Therfore it is not to be doubted but Paule speaketh these of his owne sence, as we haue admonished a little before, namely, that God according to his pleasure, voutsafeth whom he seeth good of mercy: and draweth foorth ye seuerity of iudgement against whom he list. For this hee goeth about to bring to passe amongest vs, that concerning the diuersitie is betweene the elect and reprobate, our mind might bee content with this, namely, that it hath so pleased God, to illuminate some vnto saluation, and blind othersome vnto death: and not seeke for any cause aboue his will. For we must stande vpon these particles, of whom hee will, and whom hee will: Beyond yt which he doeth not suffer vs to passe. But the worde harden,