A17643:88
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.
For I desire to see you, &c. He might after a sort being absent, have confirmed their faith with his doctrine: but because counsel is always better taken of one present therefore he coveted rather to be with them face to face. And he showeth the end of his counsel, to signify unto them, that he would not take upon him so wearisome a journey for his own, but for their profit. By spiritual gifts, he understandeth either the gifts of doctrine, or exhortation, or prophecy: which ⟨p. 8⟩he knew he had received of the grace of God. Here he hath notably set forth the lawful use of those gifts, under the word,1 communicating or bestowing. For to that end are divers gifts given peculiarly to every one, that all might graciously one help another, and one make another partaker of those things, which are given to every one: of this afterward. To strengthen you. He qualifieth that which he said of communication,2 least he should seem to count them such, as were yet to be instructed in the first elements, as though they were not yet rightly entered in Christ. Therefore he saith that he coveteth to help them in that respect, wherein, they may yet be holpen, which have profited greatly. For all of us have need to be confirmed,3 till Christ be made perfect in us. And not being content to have spoken so modestly, he addeth over and besides, a castigation or correction, wherein he showeth that he did not so take upon him the office of teaching, but that also he coveted to learn again of them. As if he should say, I desire so to confirm you according to the measure of grace given unto me, that my faith also, by your example may be encouraged: and so we may profit one another amongst our selves. Behold into how great moderation this godly man submitteth him self, that he refuseth not to seek for confirmation of those were but raw scholars.
For I desire to see you, &c. Hee might after a sort being absent, haue confirmed their faith with his doctrine: but because counsaile is alwayes better taken of one present therefore he coueted rather to bee with them face to face. And he sheweth the ende of his counsaile, to signifie vnto them, that he would not take vpon him so wearisome a iourney for his owne, but for their profite. By spirituall giftes, hee vnderstandeth eyther the giftes of doctrine, or exhortation, or prophesie: whiche