A17696:106
Sermon of Master John Calvin, on the history of Melchizedek Wherein is also handled,…Sermon of Maister Iohn Caluin, on the historie of Melchisedech Wherein is also handled,…
Sermon of Master John Calvin, on the history of Melchizedek Wherein is also handled, Abraham's courage in rescuing his nephew Lot: and his Godliness in paying tithes to Melchizedek. Also, Abraham's faith, in believing God: comprehending four sermons. And, Abraham's obedience, in offering his son Isaac; in three sermons. Translated out of French, by Thomas Stocker, Gent.Sermon of Maister Iohn Caluin, on the historie of Melchisedech Wherein is also handled, Abrahams courage in rescuing his nephew Lot: and his Godliness in paying tithes to Melchisedech. Also, Abrahams faith, in belieuing God: comprehending foure sermons. And, Abrahams obedience, in offering his sonne Isaack; in three sermons. Translated out of French, by Thomas Stocker, Gent.
London: printed by John Windet, 1592London: printed by Iohn Windet, 1592
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Sermon 2: THE SECOND SERmon, of Justification.Sermon 2: THE SECOND SERmon, of Iustification.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In very deed we may have some foolish arrogant proud conceit of our selves, howbeit that shall be always but to redouble our woe: for pride is a sin that more displeaseth God then all the rest. And therefore we must ⟨p. 131⟩confess that as we are but natural men, we are so great enemies unto god, as that our very thoughts & imaginations are all contrary unto his will, neither can we so long as we live, either speak or do any thing whatsoever, but it must needs heap upon our heads a most grievous condemnation. Wherefore we see why the scripture compareth us unto dead men, when as God once forsaketh us, & until such time as our Saviour Christ hath showed himself to be our life, we are no better then dead men. And I pray you what can a dead man do? Moreover, we are therefore to learn & take forth this lesson, or else we shall never be able to lay open what the goodness of god is towards us in our lord Jesus Christ. But should despair in our selves to put our trust in God. For we are so inclined unto this presumption which is so rooted in us, as that we will always extol our selves. And therefore god must altogether cast us down, that we may be redressed by his hand, & upholdē by his power. Furthermore we are soon puffed up with a small blast of wind of vain arrogancy: & therefore before such time as we are to receive any true substance from god, we must first be very empty, & as it were hunger starved. And so namely why it is said,1 That God filleth the hungry & pore afflicted. No doubt of it his goodness extendeth it self to none but to those that are worthy of it: but when we speak of gathering his church together, he must then ⟨p. 132⟩prepare it by this mean, and for that cause it is namely said,2 That the spirit of God must rest upon our Lord Jesus Christ, that he might announce deliverance unto the captives, to make the miserable blind to see, to heal the sick and diseased, and to strengthen & comfort the feeble and weak. Now he accomplisheth that when he saith, Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, and you shall find rest to your souls. Here then we see that it is humility that leadeth us unto our Lord Jesus Christ, that we might be partakers of the righteousness which he bringeth us.