Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 4:15

15 Because the law worketh wrath : For where no law is, there is no transgression .

i. e. The Wrath of God: And this it doth not of its self, but occasionally in Respect of our Disobedience. This is a Confirmation of what was said in the foregoing Verse: That the Inheritance is not by the Law, and the Works thereof; he proves it from the Effect and Work of the Law, such as it hath in all Men since the Fall; it worketh Wrath, it is so far from entituling Men to the Promis'd Blessing that it exposeth Men to the Curse and Wrath of God, Gal. 3.10.

q. d. And that it worketh Wrath is Evident, because it discovers and occasions Trangressions, betwixt which, and God's Wrath, there is an inseparable Connection. This Assertion is simply True, of things indifferent, as were all Ceremonial Observations before the Law required them; for then before the Law it was no Sin to Omit them: But of things which are Evil in their own nature, it must be understood Respectively, and after a sort. That is, there was no such great Transgression before the Law was given, as afterwards. The Reasons are, Because we are Naturally bent to do that which is forbidden us; and so by the probability of the Law, the Stubborness of Man's Heart is increased. As also, Because by the Law comes the clear Knowledge of Man's Duty, and so the Servant that knows his Masters Will, and doth it not, is worthy of the more Stripes.

Marginal references: Cha[illegible: 1 letter] and 5.[illegible: 1 letter] and 7.[illegible: 1 letter] 1 Cor.