Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

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.

Finally because in many dueties we ought to forgette our ⟨p. 167⟩selues, vnles we be earnest with our selues, and diligently striue to shake off al slouthfulnesse, we can neuer be truely prepared vnto the obedience of Christ. And whereas it is added, feruent in spirite. He sheweth howe we may obteyne that we spake on before. For our flesh (like an Asse) is alway lither or slouthful, and therefore had neede of spurres: and it is onely the feruencie of the spirite, that correcteth our slouthfulnes: therefore the study of doyng good requireth a zeale, which the spirit of God kindeleth in our heartes. Why then, (wil some say) doth Paule exhort vnto this feruencie? I answeare, although it bee the gift of God, yet it is the part of Christians, that sluggishnes being shaken off, they receiue that flame which is kindeled from aboue: as it often commeth to passe, that the motion of the spirite is choked and extinguished by our iniurie. Hereunto also apperteineth the third, that we may serue the time, for as the course of this life is short, so the oportunitie of doing good is soone past: therefore wee ought more cheerefully make speede to the doing of our dutie. So in another place Paule biddeth redeeme the time, because the daies are euill. The meaning may also be, that we might know to apply our selues to the time, wherin there is great force. Howbeit Paule seemeth vnto me to set that against intermission, ceasing, or leauing off, which he commaundeth of seruing the time. Furthermore because in many old copies, Curio, is read, which worde although at the first sight it seemeth strange, I dare not altogether reiect. If so bee ye reading be accepted, I doubt not but the minde of Paule is, to referre all those duties are done to our brethren, and whatsoeuer serueth to the mainteynance of charitie, to the worship of God, that hee might make the faythfull more willing.