A17643:74
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.
To all you which are at Rome. By an excellent order he showeth what is praise worthy in us. First, that the Lord of his bountifulness hath received us into favour, and love. Secondly,1 that he hath called us. Thirdly, that he hath called us unto holiness: which commendation then taketh place, if we become answerable to our calling. Here ariseth unto us a very fruitful doctrine, which I will comprise in few words, and leave to the consideration of every man. Assuredly Paul defineth not the praise of our salvation, to be in our selves, but deriveth it wholly from the fountain of Gods free & fatherly love towards us.2 For he maketh this the original, that God loved us. And what other cause was there of his love then his mere goodness? Hereupon not only our calling dependeth, whereby in his time he sealeth his adoption in those,3 whom he had freely chosen before. But also we gather, that none can rightly associate or couple himself unto the number of the faithful, but they must certainly believe that the Lord is merciful unto them, although they are unworthy, and miserable sinners, and being stirred by his goodness, must give ⟨p. 5⟩all their study to come unto holiness. For he hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness.4 Seeing the Greek may be translated by the second person, I do not see the reason why the person should be changed. Grace and peace. Before all other things it is to be wished, that we may have GOD favourable towards us: which is signified by grace. 5Then secondly that prosperity and success of all things may proceed from him, which is understood by the word peace. For howsoever all things seem to laugh upon us: if God be angry, even blessing it self is turned into a curse. Therefore the only foundation of our felicity is the favour of God: whereby we enjoy true and perfect prosperity, yea even in adversities also our salvation is advanced. And whereas he prayeth for peace from the Lord, we understand, that whatsoever good thing cometh unto us, the same is a fruit of Gods favour. Neither is this to be omitted, that he doth also pray for these good things from the Lord Jesus.