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. II.

Verse 3.

For what saith the Scripture? Abraham beleeued God, and it was counted to him for righteousnesse.

Tim.

VVHat doth this Text teach vs?

Silas.

How Abraham was iustified, namely, by beleeuing the promise. This is proued by authoritie of Scripture; the Scripture saith, that Abraham was iu∣stified by beleeuing, therefore he was so iustified. The text hath a Question [For what, &c.] Secondly an answer thereunto [Abraham beleeued, &c.]

Tim.

What learne we from the Question?

Sil.

That the points of Religion are to be proued by Scripture. Secondly, from authority of Scripture, an ar∣gument followeth affirmatiuely. Thirdly, that proofes of Scripture ought to bee brought fitly and sparingly. Fourthly, the wisedome of Paul, in obseruing the phrase and course of Scripture.

Tim.

Now let vs come to the answere: the faith spoken of in Gen. 15, 6. which the Apostle heere citeth, was not meant of Christ, but of an infinite posterity andissue.

Silas.

The answere heereunto, is this: First, Abraham by Faith had chiefe respect to that which was promised in the beginning of the Chapter, that God would bee his shield and reward. Secondly, Abraham in his poste∣rity foresaw Christ, who was to come out of his loines. Thirdly, in all promises, the promise offering Christ was wrapt, as the foundation and roote of them all. Fourthly, it was Christ which spake to him at that time, Gen. 15, 6. for it was the second person who spake vnto

the Fathers, and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 beleeued in Christ. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the mercy of GOD whether it appeareth to vs spiritually or temporally, is the obiect of faith, and God is not mercifull but by Ielus Christ: therefore they that beleeue any pro∣mise of mercy, beleeue in Christ.

Tim.

What more doe ye obserue here?

Sil.

To beleeue God, and to beleeue in God, are all one: for to beleeue God, is to giue credite to his word, and to put our confidence in his goodnes; thus Abraham belee∣ued God.

Tim.

What more was learned hence?

Sil.

That it is a wonderfull thing to beleeue God, or in God: because it obtaineth the praise of righteousnesse to him that doth it, as it is written, He beleeued God, and it was accounted to him for righteousnesse. This one thing should be sufficient to moue all Christians to rely vppon God his promise by faith.

Tim.

What other reasons may moue men to beleeue God?

Sil.

Very many and substantiall: as first, because of Gods commandement. Secondly, because God being most true, is worthy to be beleeued. Thirdly, there is great danger if wee doe not beleeue, euen eternall death, and the losse of heauen, besides all temporall goods. Fourthly, it is a spe∣ciall seruice of God to trust in him. Fiftly, it is the cause of all other duties, which spring from faith, as the roote of all. Sixtly, therein is God most honored, when he is trasted in; and by the contrary, much dishonoured, for hee is thereby made a liar, so much as lyeth in vs. 1 Iohn 4. 20.