A commentarie vpon the most diuine Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes Containing for matter, the degeneration of our nature by Adams Fall; and the restauration thereof, by the grace of Christ. Together with the perfection of faith, and the imbecillity of workes, in the cause of iustification of elect sinners before God. For forme and maner of handling, it hath the coherence and method, the summe and scope, the interpretations & doctrines the reasons and vses, of most texts. All which, are set downe very familiarly and compendiously, in forme of a dialogue, betweene Tlmotheus [sic] and Silas, by Thomas Wilson, one of the six preachers in the cathedrall church of Canterbury.

DIAL. XV.

Verse 23, 24.

Thou which gloriest in the Law, by breaking the Law doest thou dishonour God? As it is written, The name of God is euill spoken of amongest the Gentiles; Or, blasphemed thorough you.

Tim.

WHat is the Sum of this Text?

Silas.

To shew, that the Iewes are not righte∣ous by their workes, seeing their workes were such as did dishonour God. Secondly, the co nfirmation heere∣of by authority of Scripture [As it is Written.]

Tim.

What is it to glory in the Law?

Silas.

To take pride and pleasure in the knowledge & profession of the Law. This is a vaine and foolish glory∣ing. When knowledge and professio n is seuered from the practise of the law, it is ridiculous to glorie in such

knowledge of the law is not onely vaine and to no vse, but tendeth to more grieuous condemnation, for hee that knoweth his Maisters will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Tim.

What is it to breake or transgresse the Law?

Sil.

It is a speech borrowed from earthly thinges, the Law being compared to a bound or Land mark, because it should keepe our heart, and all our thoughts and af∣fections in due compasse.

Tim.

How many things are heere signified by transgressing the Law?

Sil.

Foure things: First, to do euil things forbidden in the Law. Secondly, to leaue vndone good things com∣manded in the Law. Thirdly, in the manner of dooing things commanded to faile, and in the end by not do∣ing them from perfect loue vnto Gods glory. Fourthly to purpose to continue in the breach and transgression of the Law.

Tim.

How doth the breaking of the Law dishonour God?

Silas.

Not in respect of God himselfe, whose honour cannot be encreased nor lessened; but in respect of men* 1.1 who take occasion from the euill life of Gods people, to speake euill of Gods word and holy Religion, as if it were a teacher of iniquity, 2 Sam. 12, 14. 1 Tim. 6, 1, 2. Titus 1. 11. 1 Pet. 2, 10. for as euill Children discredite their Father, so it is a discredit to God, that they which are called his children, should do euill and liue vnrigh∣teously. Also in euery transgression, there is a contempt of diuine Maiesty, directly or indirectly, which is a dis∣honour to God.

Tim.

What should this worke in vs?

Sil.

A wonderfull care to auoyde all open disobedience to Gods lawe, because it doeth not onely offend and dis∣please God, but exceedingly turne to Gods dishonour: for Gods honour is a greater matter then our owne salua∣tion; better it were that all men were destroyed then God should bee dishonoured. Againe, men were created vnto

the honour of God, not to his dishonour. This considera∣tion hath kept many of the seruants of God from sinning; for this cause Dauid would not hurt Saul when hee might, because he would not dishonour God by doing euill: Io∣seph was kept from incontinency by this reason; Sidrac, Misech and Abednego were kept from Idolatry: Gods chil∣dren do remember the end of their creation, and consider that God will punish such as discredit him.

Tim.

What was the other part of this text?

Sil.

A confirmation fetched from testimony of Scrip∣ture, as out of Esay 52, 5. and Ezek. 36, 30. Wherein he mee∣teth with a secret obiection, We meane not to dishonour God, whose law we teach and proclaime: yes, saith Paul, he is dishonoured by your deedes, amongst the nations, as scriptures fore-told.

Tim.

What is the meaning of these texts?

Sil.

They bee a prophesie to fore-tell, that in the dayes of the Messiah, the wickednes of the Iewes should be such, as should bee a great scandall to the Gentiles, and moue them to reproach the name of God, measuring him by the manners of his people: the Apostle therfore doth cite these prophesies, to strengthen his reprehension, and to stop the mouth of the Iewes, which else would haue stoode vppon their own innocencie, and deluded his owne affirmation; whereas nowe there is no place left for complayning, or starting backe.

Tim.

What is meant here by the name of God?

Sil.

Either God himselfe, or else his doctrine and reli∣gion; because by these, God and his will are made known to vs, as men are known by their names.

Tim.

What signifieth blasphemy?

Sil.

Reproaching, euill speaking, rayling, contumely, when ought is taken from God which is his due, or any vndue thing is attributed vnto him.

Tim.

What were the lessons taught from hence?

Sil.

First, that wicked men take occasion from the falts of Gods people, to speake euill of God himselfe, and of

his holy worship. Secondly, that it is a grieuous thing to prostitute the name of God to be dishonoured by his ene∣mies, and that wee are bound to haue more care of Gods glory, then our owne happinesse. Lastly, that therefore it behoueth all Gods people to haue a great care of their cō∣uersation, that it be not onely vpright in the sight of God, but also honest and vnblameable euen before men.

Notes

• * 1.1

  By euil liuing & by giuing occasion, they blasphemed God.