Commentary on Romans, Biblical exegesis 1 · Chapter 9 · Section 6
6. Morall obseruations.
Observ. 1. It is not sufficient for children to come of good parents.
The examples of Ismael and Esau, borne of faithfull and righteous parents, yet themselues prophane and vnrighteous, do teach vsus, that it is not sufficient for children to boast of the nobilitie and vertue of their ancestours, vnlesse they doe also imitate and followe their steppes: so the Iewes did vaunt themselues of their father Abraham: but our Blessed Sauiour denieth them to be Abrahams children, vnlesse they did the workes of Abraham.
Observ. 2. How parents may be comforted in their vngodly children.
These examples also may giuegive contentment and comfort vntounto parents when as their childrē prooue prophane and licentious: to looke vntounto the counsell of God, who gaue grace vntounto Iacob, but forsooke Esau: let their be no diligence and care wanting in the Parents, to giuegive vntounto their children good education, and if other things fall not out answearable to their godly desire, they must rest contented in Gods will and counsell, which may be hidde and secret, but is neuer vniust, as Abraham is commended for his care in the instruction of his children, Gen. 18.18. yet Ismael became a licentious and irreligious man.
Observ. 3. Against curiositie.
v. 20. Who art thou O man that pleadest, &c. Though the Apostle stay all curious inquiring after Gods secrets, yet men are not hereby forbidden and discouraged from a modest desire to search and knowe the truth: for our Sauiour doth himselfe bid vsus search the Scriptures, Ioh. 6.39. and Origen here well noteth; non puto, quod si prudens & fidelis servus interroget, &c. I doe not thinke, if a wise and faithfull seruant should aske and enquire after Gods will, that he should receiue such an answear, who art thou, &c. which he sheweth by the example of Daniel, who had his desire granted, Dan. 9.
Observ. 4. Of contentment of mind.
v. 20. Shall the thing framed say, why hast thou made me thus, &c. Like as in the doctrine of election, euerie one must rest contented with Gods good pleasure, so for the state and condition of this life, we must accept thankfully of that whereto the Lord hath disposed vsus: if a man be rich of poore, high or lowe, let him be content with his lot, the potter hath made his vessell so, and there is no reasoning against our maker: let vsus say and be resolued with S. Paul, Philipp. 4.11. I hauehave learned in whatsoeuer state I am, therewith to bee content.
Observ. 5. Against securitie.
v. 24. Euen vsus, whom he hath called. S. Paul hauing sufficiently declared the doctrine of election and reprobation, doth descend vntounto our vocation, and calling, teaching vsus, that we should not insist in Gods secret decree, and so be secure, but seeke to make it sure by our calling: as S. Peter saith, 1. ep. c. 1.10. GiueGive diligence to make your calling and election sure.
Observ. 6. Christ must be preached, though the world be offended.
v. 32. They hauehave stumbled at the stumbling stone, &c. Though the Iewes were offended at the Gospell of Christ, yet did not the Apostles forbeare to preach him: so now many are offended at the preaching of the word, as the superstitious Papists, and carnall liuers: yet the truth must still be vrged: for as the Apostles, so now the faithfull ministers, are vntounto some, the fauour of life vntounto life; and to others of death vntounto death, 2. Cor. 2.16.