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.

DIALOGVE I.

Verse 1, 2.

What shall we say then, that Abraham our Father hath found concerning the flesh? For, if Abraham our Father were Iustified by Workes, hee hath whereof to reioyce, but not with God.

Timotheus.

WHat is the drift of this whole Chapter?

Si.

To proue Iustification to be by Faith, by a new reason fetched from the exam∣ple of Abraham.

Tim.

How stands the frame of his reason?

Silas.

Thus: Abraham as the Father of the faithful, is the patterne of Iustification to all his seede or Children, as verse 23, 24. Looke how Abraham was, in such wise be his seede iustified. Now it is certaine, that Abraham was iustified not by workes, but by beleeuing the pro∣mise concerning Christ, therefore all the Children of Abraham are so iustified.

Tim.

What be the parts of this 4. Chapter?

Sil.

Two: in the first the example of Abraham is pro∣pounded vnto the 23. verse; in the second, this exam∣ple is applied vnto the end of the Chapter.

Tim.

How was the example propounded?

Sil.

First negatiuely, shewing how he was not iusti∣fied. Secondly affirmatiuely shewing how he was iusti∣fied.

Tim.

How was he not iustified?

Sil.

He was not iustified by workes, which the Apo∣stle doth proue by this reason. Abraham had nothing to glory with God, but if he were iustified by works, then hee had whereof to reioyce with God, therefore not by workes?

Tim.

But did his workes gaine him nothing?

Silas.

Yea, amongst men, and in the account of the world, but not in Gods eye.

Tim.

Why doth he call Abraham Father?

Sil.

Because of him came the Iewes which were his Off-spring.

Tim.

Why doth he call him, Our father?

Sil.

Because Paul himselfe was a Iew, and descended of Abraham, which he doth acknowledge to this end, to decline the enuie of his Countrymen, least they shold thinke he had not regarded Abraham.

Tim.

Why is the example of Abraham chosen rather then of others?

Sil.

Because he was of most reputation with the Iews also the Scripture had expressely testified of him, that he had his righteousnesse by beleeuing.

Tim.

What Instruction do ye gather from hence?

Sil.

That it is a good kinde of teaching to teach by examples, because those moue the senses. Secondly, of examples, the fittest and most meete would be chosen, which is a point of wisedome in the teacher.

Tim,

What is heere meant by flesh?

Silas.

The externall workes of Abraham, as it is ex∣pounded in the next verse. [For if Abraham were iustified by Workes, &c.]

Tim.

What do ye learne from the next verse?

Sil.

Two thinges: First, good workes get vs com∣mendations and matter of reioycing amongst men. Se∣condly, they doe not at all auaile vs to procure our ac∣ceptance, pardon, and release with GOD, because they want perfection. For neyther doe wee all good workes, nor with all our heart, neither do we continue so all our life long, because before our time of calling,

we cannot do a good worke, no more then a thistle can bring forth a Figge; neither yet be such workes as wee do after our conuersion, without spots. Lastly, wee do many things contrary to the Law.