A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

but Melchizedek offered bread and wine, it follows then that the sacrifice of bread and wine belongs to the Priesthood of Christ. The Apostle will speak fully hereafter of the ancient sacrifices: but of this new sacrifice of bread and wine, will he not speak a word. How is it then that the Doctors of the Church came to be of this opinion? Truly even because one error draws on another, for having forged a sacrifice of the Supper of Christ, having received no such commandment from him: & so when they had once corrupted the supper by adding a sacrifice unto it, they then made what shift they could (now here, now there) to borrow some colours to patch up their error withal.

but Melchisedec offered bread and wine, it followes then that the sacrifice of bread and wine belongs to the Priesthood of Christ. The Apostle will speake fully hereafter of the ancient sacrifices: but of this new sacrifice of bread and wine, wil he not speak a word. How is it then that the Doctors of the Church came to be of this opinion? Truly euen because one error drawes on another, for hauing forged a sacrifice of the Supper of Christ, hauing receiued no such commandement from him: & so when they had once corrupted the supper by adding a sacrifice vnto it, they then made what shift they could (now here, now there) to borrow some colours to patch vp their error withall.

The application of this oblation of bread and wine pleased them as a thing seeming fit for the purpose: and by and by after it was received; but without judgement or discretion. For who will grant that these personages had a more clear sight than the Spirit of God? and yet notwithstanding if we receive that which they teach, the holy Ghost should be condemned of unadvisedness, because he observed not a thing of so great consequence, especially seeing he handles this matter of set purpose. By this I conclude, that the ancient Fathers did forge unto themselves such a ⟨p. 145⟩sacrifice as Moses never thought of. For he saith not that Melchizedek offered bread and wine to God; but rather to Abraham, and his company. For these are his very words: And Melchizedek King of Shalem brought forth bread and wine, and he was a Priest of the most high God. Therefore he blessed him, &c.