the law was introduc'd, that the greatness of the fall might fully appear; but the more sin display'd its enormity, the divine favour was so much the more transcendent.

for whom he before approv'd, he predispos'd to follow the example of his son, who was to conduct them all as their elder brother;

but whom he predispos'd, he calls: and whom he has call'd, he justifies: and whom he has justified, he glorifies.

God hath not discarded his people whom he formerly approv'd. don't you know what the scripture says of Elias? how he complain'd to God against Israel,

You will say then, "were they suffer'd to stumble meerly for their ruin?" no: but that thro' their fall, salvation might be offer'd to the Gentiles, in order to provoke their emulation.

wherefore God abandon'd them to the impure passions of their own hearts, so that they themselves dishonour'd their own bodies;

when I have dispatch'd this affair, and have secur'd to them this collection, I will come to you in my way to Spain.

now for a wicked man no one would willingly die; but for a benefactor some have readily offer'd to die.

for as by one man's disobedience many receiv'd the punishment of sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many receive the reward of the righteous.

Do we then conclude thus, let us continue in sin, that the divine favour may be more fully display'd?

but sin receiving strength by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. for before the law sin appear'd dead.

then it was I once liv'd secure; but when the prohibition came, sin exerted it self, and I was in a dying condition:

You are, therefore, brethren oblig'd to oppose your sensual passions;

for I consider, that the sufferings of this present life are infinitely over-ballanc'd by that glory which shall hereafter be discovered to us.

who were not, by their own choice, expos'd to this uncertain state, but by virtue of him, who subjected them thereto:

for I could wish to be as one anathematiz'd from the christian church for my brethren, who are of the same race as my self,

because when they knew God, they did not with gratitude glorify him as God, but their reasoning became extravagance, and their minds, void of judgment, were involv'd in darkness.

the honour due to God, who is immortal, they transferr'd to idols representing men, who are mortal, to birds, and beasts, and insects.

for they shew that the duties prescrib'd by the law, are written in their hearts, their consciences bearing witness to it, by their own reasonings alternately accusing and excusing them.

if therefore an uncircumcised Gentile keep the moral precepts contained in the law, shall not he be reckon'd, as if he were circumcised?

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law: that every one may be silenc'd, and all the world plead guilty before God.

far from being weak in faith, unconcern'd at his own bodily decay, being then about an hundred years old, and at Sarah's incapacity of child-bearing,

have the same respect for one another. let not your behaviour be haughty, but soften'd to the condition of those below you. be not wise in your own conceits.

now if your brother be endanger'd by your eating, you violate the obligations of love: for such a matter as eating, will you risk his life, for whom Christ died?

Don't let our religion then be expos'd to reproach.

for he that makes a difference, is self-condemn'd, if he eats against his own persuasion: for every action of that kind is sin .

I add, we that are better inform'd ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not study our own pleasure.

May the God of patience and consolation, make you equally concern'd for one another, according to the example of Christ Jesus,

nevertheless, brethren, I have writ to the Gentile part of you, and admonish'd you with the greater freedom by virtue of the commission that God has given me,

when I take my journey into Spain, I hope to see you in my way, and be forwarded by you to that place, after having for some time enjoy'd the pleasure of your company.

salute Andronicus and Junias my relations, and fellow-prisoners, who are distinguish'd among the apostles,

your christianity is very well known in the world. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you as expert in that which is good, as unpractis'd in what is evil.