A17643:957
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.
11 Not lither in business. This precept is given us, not only because the life of Christians ought alway to consist in doing, but because oftentimes our own profit being neglected, we ought to bestow our labours upon our brethren, yea though they be not alway good, but often most unworthy and unthankful.
11 Not lither in businesse. This precept is giuen vs, not onely because the life of Christians ought alway to consist in doing, but because oftentimes our own profite being neglected, wee ought to bestowe our labours vpon our brethren, yea though they bee not alway good, but often most vnworthie and vnthankfull.
Finally because in many duties we ought to forget our ⟨p. 167⟩selves, unless we be earnest with our selves, and diligently strive to shake off all slothfulness, we can never be truly prepared unto the obedience of Christ. And whereas it is added, fervent in spirit. He showeth how we may obtain that we spake on before. For our flesh (like an Ass) is alway lither or slothful, and therefore had need of spurs: and it is only the fervency of the spirit, that correcteth our slothfulness: therefore the study of doing good requireth a zeal, which the spirit of God kindleth in our hearts. Why then, (will some say) doth Paul exhort unto this fervency? I answer, although it be the gift of God, yet it is the part of Christians, that sluggishness being shaken off, they receive that flame which is kindled from above: as it often cometh to pass, that the motion of the spirit is choked and extinguished by our injury. Hereunto also appertaineth the third, that we may serve the time, for as the course of this life is short, so the opportunity of doing good is soon past: therefore we ought more cheerfully make speed to the doing of our duty. So in another place Paul biddeth redeem the time, because the days are evil. The meaning may also be, that we might know to apply our selves to the time, wherein there is great force. Howbeit Paul seemeth unto me to set that against intermission, ceasing, or leaving off, which he commandeth of serving the time. Furthermore because in many old copies, Curio, is read, which word although at the first sight it seemeth strange, I dare not altogether reject. If so be the reading be accepted, I doubt not but the mind of Paul is, to refer all those duties are done to our brethren, and whatsoever serveth to the maintenance of charity, to the worship of God, that he might make the faithful more willing.