A17696:147
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 4: THE FOURTH Sermon of Justification.Sermon 4: THE FOVRTH 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.
Thus we see that after this sort these two places which seem to be repugnant one to another, agree very well together, that is, that by Faith we are imputed righteous, and that the zeal which Phine•• had in maintaining the honour of God and purging the Sanctuary which was polluted,1 was imputed unto him for righteousness. Here we see when Phinehas the Priest saw so infamous and detestable an act to be committed by an Adulterer and an Adulteress in the Sanctuary as could not be a greater, and such a villainy as the like was never heard of in Israel, that the Lord so armed him as that he slew them both: and it is said that it was imputed unto him for righteousness. Now this was a virtuous work: and therefore should seem that he was not justified by faith; but yet as I have already said, this may very ⟨p. 193⟩well hang together. For Phinehas was the son of Abram, and therefore God must be merciful unto him as well as unto the rest. But because that God helped him, and was reconciled unto him by that grace which he bestoweth upon all his chosen, even under the old Testament we see that God reputed it as a righteous work. And how so? verily that forsomuch as there was some imperfection and weakness in him, therefore must God as I have already said, support him. Let us also hear what saint Paul saith, which is this,2 that we must labour powerfully to serve God, for the hopes sake which is laid up for us in heaven, of which hope we have heard before in the word of truth of the Gospel, where saint Paul showeth that the faithful more courageously and vehemently go on to serve and honour God, and give themselves to be charitable; because they right well know that they shall not loose their labour, as it is written. Yea, but how know they that? Forsooth by the testimony of the Gospel. Now what are the words of the Gospel? Verily,3 that God will be merciful unto us, if so we believe in his only Son: For the righteousness which is there offered us, as saint Paul saith, hath borne witness of the law: But is not holpen by the law: that is to say, by whatsoever works we are able to do. But because we are grounded on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: This Text ⟨p. 194⟩