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. XVII.

Verses 28. 29.

Therefore we conclude that a man is iustified by faith with∣out the workes of the law. God is he the God of the Iewes onely and not of the Gentiles also? yea euen of the Gentiles also.

Tim.

VVHat is the summe and drift of this text?

Sil.

It is a conclusion of the former dispute, touching iustification by faith, and hath three new reasons to proue the same. First, iusti∣fication is by faith, because by that way God is most glo∣rified. Secondly, if we were iustified by works of the law, it might be thought that God were God of the Iewes on∣ly: but the Gentiles which beleeued, and had not the lawe of Moses, haue God for their God; therefore it is by faith.

Lastly, iustification by faith, doth much ratifie and greatly confirme the law; therefore it is by faith that wee are iu∣stified.

Tim.

Whence is the first reason fetched?

Sil.

From the word (therefore) which hath reference to that which was said before; as if he should say, seeing God declareth his righteousnes by our iustification by faith; and thereby al matter of reioycing and glorying is taken from vs, that it may be in God alone{is} in these regards wee con∣clude, inferre and gather, that righteousnes is by faith.

Tim.

What meaneth this word (conclude?)

Sil.

It importeth the certaine and infallible trueth of that which is here inferred, because the word signifieth the casting vppe of many summes into one; as of two tens 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together is made twenty: so certaine is this truth, as there is no doubt to be made of it.

Tim.

Wherefore serueth this?

Sil.

First, to stay the conscience vpon this truth of righ∣teousnes by faith, being so firme. Secondly, to teach that in matters of religion things ought to be proued by firme demōstration, or vngain sayable arguments, which may e∣uidently proue the thing in question, and strongly euict the conscience.

Tim.

What meaneth he by man?

Sil.

Euen euery Christian, of what sexe, age, or country whatsoeuer.

Tim.

What meaneth he to say that Iustification is (by fayth without workes?)

Sil.

That is to say, the man that beleeueth is thereby absolued from his sinnes, without any respect of fulfilling the law by workes, or without all merite by workes, from whence is inferred, that faith onely iustifieth.

Tim.

Will not this open a gap to licenciousnes and neglect of good workes?

Sil.

No surely, because they are necessary to saluation, as a way that leadeth thither, though not to Iustification, which goeth before workes, as a cause of them.

Tim.

Faith it selfe is a worke of the spirit, therefore if we be* 1.1 iustified by faith, we are iustified by a worke.

Sil.

It doth not iustifie vs as a woorke, for so it is vnper∣fect and needeth pardon; but as it goeth out of vs, and lai∣eth hold on Christ, in whome is all perfection; or it iusti∣fieth as a woork ordained of GOD, to bee the organicall meanes to receiue Christ.

Tim.

What learne wee from hence, that God is the God of the Gentiles?

Sil.

That there were some Gentiles which were ioy∣ned to Gods people, and had their sinnes forgiuen them, euen before the generall calling of the Gentiles, after the comming of Christ. Examples hereof we haue in Iob, and also his frends; and Iethro, Cornelius, the Syrophenitian wo∣man for examples.

Tim.

What is it to haue God to be our God?

Sil.

To make a league with vs, to bestow all manner of happines vpon vs for Christ, so we beleeue.

Tim.

What are the particular benefits which they haue who haue God for their God?

Sil.

First, vnion with Christ. Secondly, adoption to be the sonnes of God. Thirdly, imputation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with forgiuenesse of all sinnes. Fourthly, the spirit of sanc∣tification, together with peace of conscience, ioy in the spirit, hope of glory, accesse vnto Gods fauour. Fiftly, all Creatures are our seruants, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the very Angels. Heb. 1. 14. Sixtly, all Creatures are at league with vs. Hose. 2. 18. Seauenthly afflictions, yea sins turne to our good, through Gods great loue. Eightly, his blessings are as pledges of his fauour. Ninthly, the Scriptures are written for vs, and belong onely and wholy to vs, which are in league with God through Christ.

Tim.

What was gathered hereof?

Sil.

That it is a wonderfull mercy to bee one of Gods people; blessed are they whose God is Iehouah. Psal. 144. there is more matter of thanksgiuing & ioy in this, then in hauing a world of riohes, in being the sonnes of Kings and Princes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iohn 6. 27.