(which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:

and enjoyed the fullest assurance, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

by whom also we have had an introduction through faith into this grace in which we have stood fast, and are rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.

But the law was introduced, that the offence might be more abundant. But where sin had abounded, there hath grace abounded more exceedingly:

that as sin had reigned by death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto life eternal by Jesus Christ our Lord.

What fruit therefore had ye then in those things at which ye are now confounded? for the end of those things is death.

What then shall we say? Is the law sin? God forbid. Yea, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not even known concupiscence, unless the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

And not only so; but when Rebecca also had conception by one, even Isaac our father;

(though the children were not yet born, nor had done any thing good or evil, that according to the election of God the purpose might abide, not from works, but from him who called;)

and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared for glory:

Even as Isaiah had said before, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left unto us a seed, we should have become as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrha."

But I have in such manner endeavoured to preach the gospel, not where Christ's name had been heard, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: