A17643:965
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.
14 Bless them, &c. Once I would have the reader admonished of this, that in every precept he do not curiously seek for a precise order: but to be content, here to have scattered precepts whereby he may be prepared unto all the parts of a holy life: and those also drawn out of that principle, which the Apostle put down in the beginning of the chapter.
14 Blesse them, &c. Once I woulde haue the reader admonished of this, that in euery precept hee doe not curiouslye seeke for a precise order: but to bee content, heere to haue scattered preceptes whereby he may bee prepared vnto all the parts of a holy life: and those also drawen out of that principle, which the Apostle put downe in the beginning of the chapter.
Straightways he will give charge of not requiting injuries done. Here now he requireth somewhat that is more hard, namely that we wish no harm to our enemies: but howsoever they vex us, and deal uncurteously with us, to wish unto them all prosperity, and to pray unto God for the same. Which meekness as it is more difficult, so it is more seriously to be laboured for. For the Lord commandeth nothing, wherein he requireth not our obedience. Neither is any excuse to be admitted, if we be void of that sense, whereby the Lord would have us to differ from the wicked, and children of this world. In deed I confess, it is a hard thing, and altogether contrary to the nature of man: howbeit nothing is so hard, but it is overcome by the power of GOD, which shall never be wanting to us, if we be not negligent to call for it.
Straightwayes hee will giue charge of not requiting iniuries doone. Heere nowe hee requireth somewhat that is more harde, namely that we wishe no harme to our enemies: but howesoeuer they vexe vs, and deale vncurteously with vs, to wishe vnto them all prosperitie, and to pray vnto God for the same. Which meekenesse as it is more difficulte, so it is more seriously to be laboured for. For the Lorde commaundeth nothing, wherein hee requireth not our obedience. Neyther is any excuse to be admitted, if we be voyde of that sence, whereby the Lorde woulde haue vs to differ from the wicked, and children of this worlde. In deede I confesse, it is a harde thing, and altogether contrarie to the nature of man: howebeit nothing is so harde, but it is ouercome by the power of GOD, whiche shall neuer bee wanting to vs, if wee be not negligent to call for it.