A17696:175
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.
Three Sermons, beginning at the latter end of the 21 Chapter of Gen… › Sermon 1
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.
WE saw yesterday how Abraham in discharge of his duty unto the king of Gerar, paid him tribute. Now Moses hereupon addeth, that so soon as he was throughly settled, he solemnly called upon the name of God. We have here then in effect to learn that Abraham willingly submitted himself unto the chief Governor of the Country: ⟨p. 220⟩not tarrying until such time as he was enforced to do the duty of a good and faithful Subject, but did it without being required thereunto: And yet for all this we contrariwise see, that it no way letted him to serve God truly. And although (as we have heretofore said) it was an odious matter to be of a Religion,1 clean contrary to the Religion of that Nation amongst whom he dwelt: yet was he not such a milk sop,2 as not to make confession of the same faith which the Lord his God had commanded him. By this we see that he so behaved himself, both towards God & man, as that he may be an excellent example unto us of true humility, thereby to show us, how we ought to submit our selves unto those to whom we are bound: and yet so to, as that we always give unto God the chief and most sovereign government. And that although men be in great authority; yet are we to learn, the same to be far inferior unto the heavenly Majesty, which darkeneth and blemisheth all whatsoever excellency is in man. And this is very certain, that if Abraham had meant to gratify his neighbours, he would have conformed himself also unto their fashions, and never once have said that he had a God by himself, whom he would worship; forsaking the Idolatries that then were used, and the superstitions wherewith ⟨p. 221⟩the land was fully polluted. But come of it whatsoever might, he fully protested that he would worship and serve God sincerely and purely: wherefore he had, as we have heard, an Altar of his own,3 upon which he solemnly sacrificed unto God, by means whereof he renounced all the sins and corruptions of his neighbours as condemning and despising them all, as if he would have said, there is but one only true service that pleaseth God, and but one only living God: and whatsoever else is beside, are but mere false and deceitful imaginations. And although he before had no certain abiding & resting place, but wandered up and down too and fro;