A17643:80
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.
12 That is, that I might be comforted together with you, through our mutual faith, both yours and mine.
12 That is, that I might be comforted together with you, through our mutuall faith, both yours and mine.
8 First &c. Here beginneth the entrance, which is very aptly applied unto the cause, for by reasons taken as well from his own person, as from theirs, he doeth conveniently prepare them unto docility or easiness to be taught.1 The reason from their person is, that he reporteth the famousness of their faith. For thereby he insinuateth, that they being laden with the public praise of Churches, could not refuse an Apostle of the Lord, but they should deceive that opinion which all men had conceived of them: which is counted barbarous, and in a manner nigh unto infidelity. As this report therefore ought to induce the Apostle, that having conceived well of their obedience, he should take upon him according to his office, to teach and instruct the Romans: so it bound the Romans again, that they should not despise his authority. From his own person he stirreth them unto docility, with a testification of his sincere love. For there is nothing more effectual to procure credit unto him that counselleth, then if he have gotten this opinion, that he is thought even from his heart, to study and provide for our wealth. First this is worthy to be noted, that he so praiseth their faith, that yet he ascribeth it unto GOD,2 as received of him. Whereby we are taught, that faith is the gift of GOD. For if thanksgiving, be an acknowledging of a benefit: then he doeth acknowledge faith to be of GOD, who so doeth give him thanks for it. And in as much as we see the Apostle beginneth his gratulations with thanksgiving:3 we may know that we are admonished that all our good things are the gifts of GOD. And also it is expedient that we acquaint our selves with such kind of speeches, as thereby we may the rather at all times be removed to acknowledge GOD to be the giver of all good things: