Commentary on Romans

peruse in my work what is contained in other writings. In short, I have endeavoured that no one
may justly complain, that there are here many things which are superfluous.
Of the usefulness of this work I will say nothing; men not malignant, will, however, it may be,
have reasons to confess, that they have derived from it more benefit than I can with any modesty
dare to promise. Now, that I some times dissent from others, or somewhat differ from them, it is
but right that I should be excused. Such veneration we ought indeed to entertain for the Word of
God, that we ought not to pervert it in the least degree by varying expositions; for its majesty is
diminished, I know not how much, especially when not expounded with great discretion and with
great sobriety. And if it be deemed a great wickedness to contaminate any thing that is dedicated
to God, he surely cannot be endured, who, with impure, or even with unprepared hands, will handle
that very thing, which of all things is the most sacred on earth. It is therefore an audacity, closely
allied to a sacrilege, rashly to turn Scripture in any way we please, and to indulge our fancies as in
sport; which has been done-by many in former times.
But we ever find, that even those who have not been deficient in their zeal for piety, nor in
reverence and sobriety in handling the mysteries of God, have by no means agreed among themselves
on every point; for God hath never favored his servants with so great a benefit, that they were all
endued with a full and perfect knowledge in every thing; and, no doubt, for this end — that he
might first keep them humble; and secondly, render them disposed to cultivate brotherly intercourse.
Since then what would otherwise be very desirable cannot be expected in this life, that is, universal
consent among us in the interpretation of all parts of Scripture, we must endeavour, that, when we
depart from the sentiments of our predecessors, we may not be stimulated by any humour for
novelty, nor impelled by any lust or defaming others, nor instigated by hatred, nor tickled by any
ambition, but constrained by necessity alone, and by the motive of seeking to do good: and then,
when this is done in interpreting Scripture, less liberty will be taken in the principles of religion,
in which God would have the minds of his people to be especially unanimous. Readers will easily
perceive that I had both these things in view.
But as it becomes not me to decide or to pronounce any thing respecting myself, I willingly
allow you this office; to whose judgment, since almost all in most things defer, I ought in everything
to defer, inasmuch as you are intimately known to me by familiar intercourse; which is wont
somewhat to diminish the esteem had for others, but does not a little increase yours, as is well
known among al the learned. Farewell.
Strasburgh, 18th October 1539.