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,…

WE said yesterday that when God had once received the faithful into his grace and favour, that he acknowledged and maketh known also that which he bestoweth upon them. For by faith we receive the holy Ghost, because Jesus Christ cannot be separated from it. And therefore we must needs be renewed when as we believe God, because we apprehend his power, which he offereth unto us to communicate with us in his Son. Now God cannot set light by and reject his own gifts: wherefore he must accept of these works which he giveth us, not that they are worthy as we have already said: because there is always some infirmities so to corrupt them, as that they are unworthy either to be accounted of or received. And although God should find fault & reject whatsoever ⟨p. 190⟩good that we able to think or do, yet could we in no wise accuse him of cruelty: And why so? Forsooth, because they may be always amended: and yet doth he accept of that which is not worthy the acceptation, & all because he acknowledgeth us for his children, and also upholdeth us as by his Prophet is said. If then we ask why God alloweth of our weak affection in serving of him? It is because he beareth with us, and would not have us marked as mercenary and hired men, but contenteth himself to see us serve him frankly and freely, none otherwise than as a natural father requireth at the hands of his child. For although a child shall mar that which his father setteth him to do, yet is the father glad when as he hath seen that in very deed his meaning was to do it well. Even so fareth it with our good God, who bearing a fatherly love unto us, forgetteth whatsoever defect is in our works and will not call them to an account.

WE said yesterday that when God had once receiued the faithfull into his grace and fauour, that he acknowledged and maketh knowne also that which he bestoweth vpon them. For by faith we receiue the holie Ghost, because Iesus Christ cannot be separated from it. And therefore wee must needs be renewed when as we beleeue God, because we apprehend his power, which hee offereth vnto vs to communicate with vs in his sonne. Now God cannot set light by and reiect his owne gifts: wherefore hee must accept of these workes which hee giueth vs, not that they are worthy as we haue alreadie said: because there is alwaies some infirmities so to corrupt them, as that they are vnworthy either to be accounted of or receiued. And although God should find fault & reiect whatsoeuer ⟨p. 190⟩