A17643:797
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.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. This place may further us to the understanding of the justification of faith. For it declareth that we are thereby justified, that we embrace the mercy of God offered unto us in the Gospel: hence therefore is it, that we are just, because we believe that God is gracious unto us in Christ. But let us note, that the seat of faith is not in the head but in the heart: and yet I will not contend about that matter, in what part of the body faith resteth: but because the word heart, is almost alway taken for a serious and sincere affection,1 I say faith is a firm & effectual confidence, and not a bare knowledge only. With his mouth man maketh confession unto salvation. It may seem marvellous, why he should now attribute a portion of our salvation unto confession, having so often before this testified▪ that we are saved by faith only. But thereby it may not be collected, that confession is the cause of our salvation: only his mind is to show, how God doth perfect our salvation: namely, whiles he causeth faith with he hath put into our harts, to appear forth by confession. Yea his mind was simply to note which is true faith,2 whence this fruit proceedeth, least any should pretend a vain title of faith for it: for true faith ought so to kindle the heart with the study of Gods glory, that the flame thereof may appear forth. And surely, he that is justified, even now already hath obtained salvation: therefore the faith of the heart maketh no less unto salvation, then the confession of the mouth. Thou seest he hath so distinguished, that he referreth the cause of justification unto faith: ⟨p. 139⟩and in the second place showeth, what is necessary for the consummation of salvation. For neither can any believe but he must confess with his mouth: and there is a necessity of perpetual consequence, not which may ascribe salvation unto confession. But let them see, what they can answer unto Paul, who at this day proudly boast unto us an imaginary faith, which being content with the secrecy of the heart, leaveth out confession of mouth, as a superfluous thing. For it is too childish to say there is fire there, where there is neither flame nor heat.