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,…

And this was reiterated unto him many times: his ears were now well beaten with it. It should seem then that this was an unprofitable and superfluous kind of speech. But as I have already said; this was an inestimable benefit unto Abram, whenas he was thus refreshed and comforted, that he might not fail, but still follow the holy calling of God. Moreover, we are to note, that God entertaineth him only with words: And herein we see what honour we are to bear him, and not distrust him, although we see not before our eyes the effect of that which he promiseth us; but hold our selves still in suspense. He saith, I have brought thee into this land which I gave thee. Well, my God, thou hast promised to give it me in deed: But behold I am old and dry; when will that time come?

And this was reiterated vnto him many times: his eares were now well beaten with it. It should seeme then that this was an vnprofitable and superfluous kind of speach. But as I haue alreadie said; this was an inestimable benefit vnto Abram, whenas he was thus refreshed and comforted, that hee might not faile, but still follow the holie calling of God. Moreouer, wee are to note, that God entertaineth him onely with wordes: And herein we see what honour we are to beare him, and not distrust him, although we see not before our eyes the effect of that which he promiseth vs; but hold our selues stil in suspens. He saith, I haue brought thee into this land which I gaue thee. VVell, my God, thou hast promised to giue it mee in deede: But beholde I am old and drie; when will that time come?

O, care thou not for that: for I will be merciful unto thee. Well, be it so. But where is the demonstration of that which I have looked for all this while. For I am at deaths door, and am here a stranger, & have no seed (as hath been heretofore said) and how shall I do then O Lord ? Well, take my word for it. This then is the nature of faith: To have all our senses subject unto the will of God, and believe his trueth. Our ears also must be open and attentive to receive whatsoever he speaketh unto us: and that when he ⟨p. 214⟩hath once said the word; conclude, that it shall be so. But which way can that be? O, we are not to reason that; neither is it in our disposition: But we must leave it unto the counsel and will of God, as we have already said. This then is the honour winch we must do unto GOD; even to believe his holy word. More over, we are still to observe that which hath heretofore been spoken, that is to say: That God simply gave the land of Canaan unto his servant Abraham for a pawn, to the end he should not muse to him self, nor trouble his head about it: For then had Abraham had but a cold pull, if he had had nothing else but that land. But without doubt he was led by another spirit, which is: He saw the very day of our Saviour Jesus Christ; as in the Gospel according to John it is written. And besides, he confessed himself to be but a Pilgrim here in this world: and therefore looked for his inheritance elsewhere. And where it is said: that this land was given him for to inherit; that was not the mark which he shot at: his mind was not set thereon; but had a further reach. For, by reason (as we have already said) that he forsook his native country, and left it, to live in a strange and an unknown place: it must needs be, that his mind was altogether occupied about:the heavenly inheritance.