Romans 12

Romans 12:1

I Beseech you,] a conclusion drawne from all the precedent doctrine of this Epistle By the mercies,] even so far as the infinite mercies of God binde yo, See 2 Cor. 10 1 That〈◊〉,] that in acknowledgement of all the favours ye have receaved from God, in stead of sacrifices of thanks-giving and of praise which were formerly used, and are now disannulled under the Gospell, you will consecrate your whole persons, quickned by the power of the Holy Ghost A living sacrifice,] namely in a new life in regeneration of spirit, which also hath a correspondencie with ancient sacrifices in which a beast that was dead or torne by wild beasts, was uncleane and unacceptable, but they were to be presented living to be Lord, and the bloud of them to bee spilt at the foote of the altar Reasonable,] that is to ay spirituall opposite to the sacrifices of bruit beasts under the Law. See Hosea 14:2. Malachi 1:11. Philippians 4:18. Hebrews 13:15-16. 〈◊〉 Pet. 2. 5.

Romans 12:2

To this,] Namely to the customes inclinations and actions of worldly and corrupt men Transformed,] that is to say regenerated, and changed from your naturali wickednesse, in all the parts of your soule; beginning from the highest which is understanding and reason; by which the spirit of God also worketh upon the inferior. Gods grace following the order of nature in its operation Ye may prove,] that ye may by this gift of spirituall judgment, discerne and approve, that Gods Law is all good, lovely, and compleate, Psalme 19. 8, 11. Rom. 7. 16. 22. to submit your selves unto it with a free will. Or that yee may prove that, which according to this Law is good & acceptable to God, and rightly correspondent to his will, to doe it. See Phil.〈◊〉. 10. and Romans 2:18. Ephes. 5. 10, 17. Colos. 1. 9. and 3, 10.

Romans 12:3

Forl,] this instruction of having the knowledge of the will of God, for a guide in all our actions, is a very great one for it takes place in all callings, especially ecclesiasticall ones, to not undertake any thing therein, of ones proper minde Through the grace,] namely the charge and authority of Apostle, guided by an infallible conduct of Gods spirite Soberly,] that is to say modestly, holily keeping within the bounds of the revelation of Gods Word, the onely rule of faith, and within the measure of the degree of knowledge which others have in it

Romans 12:4

For as,] he gives a reason, of this diversity of measure: because that there be diverse functions amongst beleevers, and according to those functions God conferreth his gift.

Romans 12:6

Prophecie,] this was one of the extraordinary degrees of Ecclesiasticall ministery in those dayes: in which some persons by speciall inspiration of the Holy Ghost, were enlightned in the knowledge of Gods mysteries, to expound them in the Church: to which was oftentimes joyned the revelation of secret and future things. See Acts 〈◊〉 27 and 13. 27. and 13. 1. and 16. 32. and 2 1, 9 According to,] according to the fust measure, of this illumination in the doctrine of faith without adding of changing any thing therein of their owne mind.

Romans 12:7

Ministery,] under this word are comprehended all ordinary ecclesiasticall functions: which afterwards are divided into two generall kindes, of the word, and of pious works, that of the word likewise into two, of Doctors and Pastors: that of pious works, into distribution of Almes, into the externall government of the Church, and the relieving of the sicke and afflicted, &c Let us waite on,] without going beyond the bounds of our vocation, or of the gift of God belonging unto it He that teacheth,] whose office was to expound the tenents of the Christian faith, in their substance truth and purity, by plaine interpretation, as they doe in the Schooles without an applications to demeanours or any exhortations, or comforts or reproofes, as they use to doe in the Church.

Romans 12:8

He that exhorteth,] namely the Pastor of the Church who addeth the foresaid uses to the doctrine and taketh them out of it: and especially that of exhortation See Acts 13:15. 1 Timothy 62. Tit. 1. 9. and 2. 15 That giveth,] the Italian He that distributeth,] namely he that hath the office of giving or distributing the publicke almes, which was the Deacons charge, Acts 6:5 With simplicitie,] without any fraud. Or with an upright affection, without acceptation of persons, without hatred or favour. Or liberally, as a pure and simple gift. See 2. Cor. 8. 2 That ruleth,] he meanes the office of Elders, who together with the gravest, wisest, and most qualified Pastors, made up the Ecclesiasticall Senate, to provide for the occurrent affaires, govern demeanours, pacific differences, administer discipline in admonitions, censures, &c.〈◊〉 Tim. 5. 17 That sheweth mercy, the Italian Hee that doth pious workes,] as the particular care of the sicke, impotent, Widdowes, Orphans, Prisoners, strangers, &c.

Romans 12:10

Preferring,] the Italian, Preventing.] namely without staying untill it be done to you, and then requiting it: Or goe beyond one another, in honou¦ring one another, that is to say, strive who shall doe most honour to each other, give your selves enterchangeable examples of honour.

Romans 12:11

In businesse,] the Italian, In studie,] which every one is bound to doe in his own vocation to be spiritually carefull of the glory and service of God, the benefit and profit of the Church, and of the salvation of the faithfull Fervent,] zealous, and burning in spirituall affection Serving,] that is to say having no other end in all your actions but onely his service.

Romans 12:13

Given to] that is to say with a free will, seeking all meanes and occasions to performe that charitable office toward strangers, putting your selves forward in offering it, as Genesis 18:2. or striving to doe it.

Romans 12:15

Rejoyce,] be touched with your brethrens good or evill, as if it were your own.

Romans 12:16

Of the same minde,] or affection, Of 〈◊〉 estate,] to the humble and meane condition and estate of the Church See 2 Corinthians 12:5; 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Romans 12:19

Give place,] let it passe, and vanish away, without putting it in practice, or retaining and hatching it within your selves. Others understand it of Gods wrath, in this sence: leave it to God to inflict the punishment himselfe, without preventing him with thy private revenges.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome,] that is to say, be not put besides thy patience or mildnesse by other mens wickednesse But overcome,] breake and tyer the perversity of others, by thy greater suffering. Or the more they offend thee, the more good doe thou to them.