6. Xu pm, by grace ) The meaning of the dative is one, and that of the particle ix with the genitive is another [is different]. The former rather indicates the vehicle or instrument, as a canal, in the pure and simple sense ; the latter, more properly the mate- rial cause, the principle [first origin], the source. — obx tn, now no longer [no more] ) This phrase used four times shows the strength of the conclusion. This decree, which God has decreed, is absolute : I will make men righteous only by faith , no man by works. This decree no one shall break through. — y'mrui — sari v, [becomes] is made — is) This is a nice and just distinction between these words [lost sight of in the Engl. Vers.]. Nature asks for works; faith acknowledges supervenient grace, yivoihvr\v [grace coming into exercise]. So, iyivero [came into exercise] John i. 17. <pspo/xsv7)v yupiv, 1 Pet. i. 13. — s i dz i% tpyojv, obx ’in stsri yupig' irrel r'o ipyov obx in sen zpyov. But if it is of works , then is it no more grace , otherwise work is no more work) From this short clause, it is no more of works , this inference is drawn, Israel has not ob- tained : and from that short clause, it is no more grace , the in- ference is, the election has obtained. The first part of this verse excludes works, the second establishes grace ; with this comp, ver. 5. The first part forms the protasis, the last, the apodosis, which is always the more necessary part, and is improperly omitted by some in this passage, comp, by all means ch. iv. 4, 5 ; Eph. ii. 8, 9. Grace and work are opposed to each other,
Lxx. for the most part interpret it ipyov, work, for example Ps. cix. 20.
7. 'H ixXoyr\, the election) chiefly of the Israelites, the election, that is, the elected, inasmuch as being elected, obtain.
8. ’'Ehwxzv al \ro7g 6 Q?og crvsvjuu xuruvb^sojg, 6(p6uXjuobg rod /urj 6\s<7rsiv xui ura rod /&ii uxovsiv) Deut. xxix. 4, yet the Lord God hath not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. Is. xxix. 10, LXX., rrzrronx sv v/uoug K vpiog, orvsvfjjan xuruvu^sojg, xui xu/x/uvesi rovg bpdaAf/jOi/g avruv x.r.X. The Lord hath made you drunk with the spirit of slumber, and He will shut their eyes , etc. Add Matt. xiii. [12,] 14, note. "Eduxzv, hath given, by a most righteous judgment, and hath said to them, have? — xuruvv^sug) Kurdvug/g in this passage
1 According as you have chosen. The have , refers to spiritual goods. 14 From him who hath not (his spiritual privileges to any good purpose)