The Argument of the Epistle to the Romans.The Argument of the Epistle to the Romanes.

The Argument of the Epistle to the Romans.

The Argument of the Epistle to the Romanes.

IN setting forth the utility of this Epistle, I know not whether I were best to tarry long, both because I fear least through my commendations, which most certainly are far inferior to the dignity thereof, it be nothing else but obscured: and also because even in the entrance thereof, it doth more clearly declare it self, and more lively show forth it self, then by any words can be described. Therefore I think it now best to come unto the Argument, wherein without all doubt it shall presently appear, that besides many others, and the same very excellent virtues, this doth properly appertain unto it, which can never according to the dignity thereof be sufficiently praised: that if a man have attained unto the true understanding of it, he hath a speedy passage made him, unto all the most secrete treasures of the scripture.

IN setting forth the vtilitie of this Epistle, I knowe not whether I were best to tarry long, both because I feare leaste through my commendatiōs, which most certainely are farre inferiour to the dignitie thereof, it be nothing els but obscured: and also because euen in the entrance thereof, it doth more cleerely declare it self, and more liuely shew foorth it self, then by any words can be described. Therefore I thinke it nowe best to come vnto the Argument, wherein without all doubt it shall presently appeare, that besides many others, and the same very excellent vertues, this doth properly apperteine vnto it, which cā neuer according to the dignitie thereof be sufficiently praysed: that if a man haue attained vnto the true vnderstanding of it, hee hath a speedie passage made him, vnto all the most secrete treasures of the scripture.

The whole Epistle is so methodical, that the very entrance of it, is framed according to art. The workmanship whereof as it is to be seen in many things, which shall be observed in their places, so specially in that, that the principal argument is drawn hence. For he having begun with the confirmation of his Apostleship, descendeth thence to the commendation of the gospel: which because it doth necessarily bring with it the disputation of faith, he passeth thereunto, the words of the text (as a man would say) even leading him by the hand. And so he entereth into the principal question of the whole Epistle, Sciliz. that we are justified by faith. Wherein he is occupied unto the end of the 5. Chapter. Let us therefore put