Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

Wherefore let us decree nothing here rashly, but rather let this abide fast in our hearts, that there is a Church nourished by the secrete providence of God, when there appeareth none to our eyes. And withal let us remember, that they deal foolishly, and proudly, who define the number of the elect according to the measure of their sense. For God hath a mean, unknown to us, easy to himself, whereby he doeth wonderfully keep his elect, when all things seem lost. And let the Readers mark this, that Paul doeth ⟨p. 147⟩here, and else where, diligently compare the state of his time, with the old condition of the Church, which maketh greatly to the confirmation of our faith, whiles we consider, nothing doeth happen unto us at this day, which the holy fathers have not had experience of in old time. For we know how hard an engine, newness is, to trouble weak minds, touching the parcel, in Elijah, in the translation I have retained the phrase of Paul, because it may signify as much, as in the history, or in the things done by Elijah: although I think rather that Paul spake so, according to the manner of the Hebrews:¹ because Beth which answereth the greek En, is often taken for de of. How he maketh request unto God against Israel. This surely was an argument, how much Elijah esteemed of the Lord, that he doubted not, for his glory to constitute himself an adversary of his own nation, and to wish the utter ruin thereof, because he thought the religion and worship of God, was perished in it. But therein he was deceived, that he condemned the whole nation, himself only excepted, of the impiety, which he would have had so severely punished. Furthermore, in the same place which Paul citeth, there is no imprecation or wishing, but a bare complaining.² But because he so complaineth, that he despaireth of the whole people, no doubt but so he did bequeath them to destruction. Let us note then what Elijah preached: namely, that when impiety, had every where prevailed, and in a manner overspread the whole land, he thought he had been left alone.

Wherfore let vs decree nothing here rashly, but rather let this abide fast in our heartes, that there is a Church nourished by the secrete prouidence of God, when there appeareth none to our eyes. And withall let vs remember, that they deale foolishly, and proudly, who define the number of the elect according to the measure of their sence. For God hath a meane, vnknowen to vs, easie to himselfe, whereby he doeth woonderfully keepe his elect, when al things seeme lost. And let the Readers marke this, that Paule doeth