A17696:125
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 3: THE THIRD SERMON of Justification.Sermon 3: THE THIRD 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.
but only that we may have some probable conjecture thereof. Now to say thus, is utterly to overthrow the whole foundation of Christianity. And in very deed, when Saint Paul speaketh of this matter, he driveth us unto this reason,1 which is, that if we depend upon the law and trust unto it, then is Faith but vain, and the promise made of none effect. And why so? Forsooth, it is not because God is not faithful for his part, but because we shall never be able to attain unto the accomplishment of that which is required for our salvation. For God doth verily promise us recompense when as we shall have served him, and kept whatsoever he hath commanded us, from the one end to the other: God undoubtedly promiseth us all that. Now this is an impossible condition. For never man yet hath accomplished the law, nor never shall. So then we for our parts are never able to effect & perform this promise. And therefore we shall always be reasoning, wavering, and out of quiet, and in the end fall into despair, when as we shall go about to bring our ⟨p. 161⟩works with us to keep Audit and an account with God, for it is said in the 144. Psalm:2 Enter not into judgement with thy servant O Lord: for no man living shall be justified in thy sight. And therefore we must conclude, that we shall be ever vexed and troubled, and our spirits wonderfully perplexed, if we had not salvation elf where then from our merits. And for the better understanding hereof, let us well weigh & consider of that which hath been already spoken, that is, we must not think to pay God with nifles. For it is a fearful thing to have him against us. Now he cannot otherwise be, but so long as we shall presume upon works. For we do even so much derogate from him, and rob him of his right, as hath been heretofore showed, that whosoever hath not his mouth stopped from attributing unto himself the least glory, and his mouth wide to confess God only to be just: without doubt that man opposeth himself unto his majesty. Now we shall never obtain our suit against him: but the condemnation will still light upon our own heads. And therefore let us not wittingly and in deed provoke his wrath against us, & besides, it cannot be chosen, but that we must needs be out of our wits, when as we will trust unto our merits. And herein is a twofold abuse, which also bringeth with it a third.