A17696:118
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.
Wherefore see here I beseech you, how most unadvisedly they are abused: and to prove it to be so, consider that place of the Psalm which I erst alleged, how David placeth mans blessedness in the only forgiveness of sins,1 without naming any work: and this speaking of works comprehendeth within it all virtues in general, which we can any way attribute unto our selves, and wherein we greatly glory. Now this cursedness (Saint ⟨p. 152⟩Paul saith) showeth that we must needs come all naked and empty before God, that we might be filled & enriched of his mere and free goodness. Moreover, when as he speaketh of the works of the law, it is because that if there be any merit in them, it is by reason of the covenant which we have already alleged,2 That whosoever shall do these things, shall live in them. Put the case that there never had bin any law published, yet should we have been no whit the more acceptable unto God. And as for himself he oweth us no duty, neither is he any whit bound unto us:3 for it is said, That when we have done whatsoever is commanded us, yet must we needs confess that we are unprofitable servants. And why so? what? are we at our own choice and liberty to do what we lust? Is there any thing in us that is our own? no verily, and therefore cannot we plead any merit, albeit we perfectly fulfilled the law. Whereupon then dependeth the confidence which we take in our works? Forsooth even upon this promise, That whosoever shall do these things, shall live by them. For God bound himself hereunto of his own accord, albeit he was not in reason tied unto it. Wherefore when as S. Paul speaketh of the works of the law, he showeth, that although God hath promised to all those to whom he hath made promise, ⟨p. 153⟩that how many soever shall accomplish all which he hath commanded by the righteousness of the law, shall be reputed & taken to be righteous, and have thereby everlasting life: notwithstanding that the works of the law cannot do it. And why so? because they still leave us under the curse of the law and condemnation: for we can do nothing else but sin, so long as we remain in this tabernacle of the flesh, and he whatsoever he is, that shall think himself to be most righteous, shall never be able to acquit and discharge himself of the hundred part of his duty therein.