Therefore that you may understand what is the end of this ⟨p. 140⟩Gradation, consider first,1 that there was a mutual conjunction betwixt the calling of the Gentiles and the ministry of Paul, which he did perform and execute among them: so that the approbation of the one did depend upon the approbation of the other. Now it behoved Paul to make the calling of the Gentiles manifest and without all doubt or question, and also to show a reason of his ministry, least that he should seem to publish the grace of God amiss, in that he did withdraw or take from the children of God, the bread which was properly appointed for them, and give it to dogs. And therefore he doth both these things together. But the coherency & agreement of his words will not de perfectly understood, before that every particular part thereof be expounded in order. This his proceeding is as much in effect, as if he should say, that both Jews and Gentiles declare and show that they believe in God, by calling upon his name: because the true calling upon the name of god cannot be, except there were first a right knowledge of him. Furthermore, faith cometh by the word of God. But the word of God is preached in no place but by the special providence and appointment of God. Therefore where the invocation of God is, there is also faith: where faith is, there was also first the seed of the word, Where preaching is, there is also the calling of God, or there men are called of God. Now where there is so effectual and fruitful a calling of God: there is an evident and unfallible token of god his love. Whereby it is apparent, that the Gentiles are not to be debarred or excluded the kingdom of God, whom God hath admitted into the fellowship & participation of salvation. For as the preaching of the Gospel is the cause of their faith, so God his sending is the cause of preaching, whereby it pleased him to provide for their salvation after this manner. Now let us examine particularly, that which followeth.
Therefore that you may vnderstande what is the ende of this ⟨p. 140⟩Gradation, consider first,1 that there was a mutuall coniunction betwixt the calling of the Gentiles and the ministerie of Paul, which hee did performe and execute among them: so that the approbation of the one did depende vpon the approbation of the other. Now it behoued Paul to make the calling of the Gentiles manifest and without all doubt or question, and also to shewe a reason of his ministerie, least that he should seeme to publishe the grace of God amisse, in that hee did withdrawe or take from the children of God, the bread which was properly appointed for thē, and giue it to dogs. And therefore he doth both these thinges together. But the coherencie & agreement of his wordes will not de perfectly vnderstood, before yt euery particular part therof be expounded in order. This his proceeding is as much in effect, as if hee should say, that both Iewes and Gentiles declare and shew that they beleeue in God, by calling vpō his name: because the true calling vpon ye name of god cānot be, except there were first a right knowledge of him. Furthermore, faith commeth by the word of God. But the worde of God is preached in no place but by the speciall prouidence and appointment of God. Therefore where the inuocatiō of God is, there is also faith: where faith is, there was also first the seed of the word, Where preaching is, there is also the calling of God, or there men are called of God. Now where there is so effectuall and fruitfull a calling of God: there is an euident and vnfallible tokē of god his loue. Whereby it is apparāt, yt the Gentiles are not to be debarred or excluded the kingdome of God, whom God hath admitted into the fellowship & participation of saluation. For as the preaching of ye Gospel is the cause of their faith, so God his sending is the cause of preaching, whereby it pleased him to prouide for their saluatiō after this maner. Now let vs examine particularly, that which followeth.
- 1Gradation is when the speecht is so distinguished by degrees that that which endeth one member beginneth the next.
