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DIAL. V.
Verses 7, 8.For if the truth of God haue more abounded through my lie vnto his glory, why am I yet condemned as a sinner? and as wee are blamed, and as some affirme that we say, why doe wee not e-uill, that good may come of it? whose damnation is iust.
WWhat is the drift of this text?
To confute and answere a wicked and lewd slander obiected against his doc∣trine; which was, that the trueth of God, through mens lye and vnbeleefe, doeth more abound to his glory; this was his doctrine which wee haue learned before howe to vnderstand it.
What is the slander, and how doeth the Apostle an∣swere it?
The slander was, that Paul should affirme that men may doe euill that good may come of it, which flander the Apostle answereth; First denying the slander, and second∣ly he threatneth the iudgement of God to the slanderer.
What is it that the Apostle calleth the trueth of God?
His fidelity and constancy in his promises, when hee makes good indeede, that which hee hath spoken with his mouth.
What doth this offer vnto vs?
A ground of our hope, and an example for our imi∣tation; for God who is most true cannot deceiue vs, so as wee may haue hope in him; also wee must striue to be like him in truth.
What is here meant by a lye?
Not a word spoken vntruely or with purpose to de∣ceiue, but some act or deede wherein a man doth deceiue, or violate his faith and much plight to God: for wee are to know, that a lie may be committed sundry wayes. First in doctrine, as they that taught iustification by workes of the