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…

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. Gen. 14.18. This first fact which he recites was performed as he was a King, to wit, to feed such as were weary in the way returning from the battle. As touching the blessing it appertained to his office of Priesthood. And therefore if any mystery were in this oblation, it was no otherwise fulfilled in Christ, than when he nourisheth us when we are hungry and wearied with travail. Now the Papists deserve to be laughed at again and again, who after they have denied that there is any more bread and wine in the Mass after consecration, do yet notwithstanding come in chanting their song of the sacrifice of bread and wine.

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 receiued; but without iudgement or discretion. For who will graunt that these personages had a more cleere sight than the Spirit of God? and yet notwithstanding if wee receiue that which they teach, the holie Ghost should be condemned of vnaduisednes, because he obserued 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 vnto themselues such a ⟨p. 145⟩sacrifice as Moses neuer thought of. For hee saith not that Melchisedec offered bread and wine to God; but rather to Abraham, and his companie. For these are his very words: And Melchisedec King of Shalem brought foorth bread and wine, and he was a Priest of the most high God. Therefore hee blessed him, &c.