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. 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.

Tim.

WWhat is the drift of this text?

Sil.

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.

Tim.

What is the slander, and how doeth the Apostle an∣swere it?

Sil.

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.

Tim.

What is it that the Apostle calleth the trueth of God?

Sil.

His fidelity and constancy in his promises, when hee makes good indeede, that which hee hath spoken with his mouth.

Tim.

What doth this offer vnto vs?

Sil.

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.

Tim.

What is here meant by a lye?

Sil.

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

law, Gala. 3. Secondly in ciuill iudgement, as they which pronounced false witnes against Naboth and Christ. Third∣ly, in gesture and countenance, as in Ioab, Cayne and Iudas. Fourthly, in words and common speeches, either ieasting∣ly, officiously, or hurtfully. Fiftly, in action of life, as when a man hath made promise to God to beleeue and practise his word, and yet otherwise liueth in vnbeleefe and diso∣bedience; this is here and elsewhere called a lie, as 1 Iohu 2. 5. 6.

Tim.

What was our instruction from hence?

Sil.

That we should labour to liue as wee profesle, least we be accounted liars to God, to his Church, to our selues, and in our owne consciences.

Tim.

Shew vs now how our lye doeth turne to Gods glory?

Sil.

As sinne profiteth Gods children, so it turneth to his owne glory; to wit, by accident (as before is said:) for it is not in the nature of sinne, which being a filthy thing, is both against Gods glory and his childrens good, but it is of GODS mercy that it turneth to his praise and their commodity, whiles they become more wary after some sinne, and Gods goodnesse more famous and renowned.

Tim.

What other thing were we taught out of this verse?

Sil.

Two thinges: first in that the Apostle propoundeth the slander in the person of an vncertaine man; it teacheth vs that wee must conceale the name of offenders, when there is no cause to vtter them; because the credite of o∣ther men must bee deare to vs. Secondly, that selfe-loue makes sinners seeke all shifts to shunne the condemnation of their sinnes; nay the very imputation of sin, they would not be so much as sinners.

Tim.

What learne wee from the beginning of the eight verse? (and as wee are blamed &c.) and from therest of the verses?

Sil.

First, that the doctrine of the Apostle could not scape the blame and slaunder of euill tongues. Secondly, slaunders cast out against the Doctrine of the Ministers, doeth hurt both the name of the Minister, and the faith of

the flocke. Thirdly, that no euill faulte and crime may bee done to procure any good; for a good pretext, or a good intent, nay a good euent of an euill action, cannot make that action good that is euer euill, which was euill from the beginning.

Tim.

Whome doth this reproue?

Sil.

Three sorts of men, first the Papists who couer their owne blinde deuotion, with the cloak of good in∣tents. Secondly, blinde Protestants, which doe euill things vpon pretence of good euents, that bee like to follow and ensue. Thirdly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worldlinges, who blame Gods children, because they will not doe some little euill, to compasse some great good; which is di∣rectly against the rule of our Apostle, that the least euill of fault or crime, is not to bee done, to gaine neuer so much good.

Tim.

What learne we from the last part of this text [Whose damnation is iust?]

Silas.

Two things: First, they which slander the Do∣ctrine of the Ministers, shall not escape the righteous punishment of God. Secondly, such as wilfully do speak euill against the truth, must not be answered with ma∣ny words, but turned ouer to the Iustice of God. For, if men once come to this passe, to bee cauillers against the knowne truth, there is little hope of them, their iudge∣ment is peruerted, and their heart filled with pride and obstinacy, therefore to be auoided as Dogs or Swine.

Notes

• Prou. 22. 1. Eccles. 3. 7.
• Sin is not eli∣gible.
• Math. 7.