A plaine exposition vpon the whole thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes Wherein the text is diligently and methodically resolued, the sense giuen, and many doctrines thence gathered, are by liuely vses applied for the benefit of Gods children. Performed with much varietie, and conuenient breuitie, by Elnathan Parr Bachelor in Diuinity, and preacher of Gods word. To which is prefixed an alphabeticall table, containing the chiefe points and doctrines handled in the booke.

VERSE 14. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patro∣bas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15. Salute Philologus, and Iulia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the Saints which are with them.

IN these 2. verses are some saluted by name in particular: and some in generall vnder these titles, Brethren, Saints.

Of the men and women here by name saluted, there is little, and no certaine mention made in history, for ought that I haue read; and therefore I passe them ouer: only this wee are to remember, that they were worthy and famous for godlinesse in the Church of Rome at that time.

And because it were too long to reckon euery particular man and woman beleeuing, therefore, in generall termes he comprehendeth all the rest.

Brethren: So are the elect professing the Gospell, by rea∣son of their Adoption: They haue all one Father, which is God; and one Mother, which is, the Church, therefore they are Brethren; and in ancient time, the meetings of the Saints, were called Fraternities, as I haue some-where ob∣serued.

This title notes Vnion with God, [Obs.] and communion among our selues, and so vrgeth Vnity.

Saints, Beleeuers are vsually so called by Paul: and these are either such which are outward onely; or such which are outward and inward also.

The first haue onely the outward profession of the Gos∣pell, and these are Hypocrites: The other, beside their out∣ward profession, haue true inward sanctification. These are either perfect, such as are to be found only in that part of the Church which is triumphant; or Imperfect, such as are in the Church militant, who daily fight and striue against sinne.

This title admonisheth vs to liue holily according to our name; to be called a Saint, and to liue like a Beast, [Obs.] or a

Deuill as many doe; is to dishonour the holy name after which we are called, and to damne our selues.

God is called, Mercifull, and True, and therefore, when Dauid prayeth for forgiuenesse, hee saith: For thy Names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquities, desiring that his dealings towards him, may bee according to his Name: So wee may say to a man: Bee answerable to thy Name: Thou art called a Saint, liue not like a wretch, but euen For thy names sake liue holy.

Notes

• Jn my exposition of the 12 Chap. v. 10.
• Psal. 25.11.