A17696:186
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.
Now if this then was in him at those days when as the doctrine appeared nothing so clear by far, as at this day it doeth unto us. What excuse shall we make, forsomuch as our Lord Jesus Christ hath once appeared, and was conversant here in the world, and ascended into heaven, and hath set open the gate for us, and doth by his Gospel incessantly solicit us to aspire upward? If we (I say) be continually wrapped and swaddled up in these corruptible things? must not this be a most villainous unthankfulness?
Now if this then was in him at those daies when as the doctrine appeared nothing so cleare by farre, as at this day it doeth vnto vs. VVhat excuse shall wee make, forsomuch as our Lorde Iesus Christ hath once appeared, and was conuersant here in the world, and ascended into heauen, and hath set open the gate for vs, and doth by his Gospell incessantly solicite vs to aspire vpward? If wee (I say) be continually wrapped and swadled vp in these corruptible things? must not this be a most villainous vnthankfulnesse?
And therefore, let us learn so to dwell in this world, as that we may enjoy and take pleasure of the benefits which the Lord bestoweth here upon us: but yet in such sort, as to say with Saint Paul: That our conversation is in Heaven; 1and are already citizens thereof, although it be as yet but in hope. And in deed, we are also to remember what is said in another place: That so long as we dwell in these mortal bodies, 2we are as it were absent from God. We see also that we have not the fruition of his presence: Because that our spiritual life is hid. For if it were not so,3 we should effectually enjoy it, and then shall faith cease: For (as Saint Paul saith) That which a man hopeth to have is not seen. 4And therefore let us learn, that sith GOD draweth us unto him self, not to be so base minded as to drench our selves here on earth over head and ears, as it were, in filthy mire and dirt: but continually go on, knowing that this is the very beaten path and high way for us to aspire a great deal higher.