A17696:195
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.
The books are not as yet open: but yet so as that God knoweth and judgeth that which he will make manifest at the last day. And therefore he hath no need to sound and try us,1 for he doth that, that is in us: But this is referred to the probation of our faith. For as we have already said, God will not have his gifts to be unprofitable, but will apply them to some use, to the end he may thereby be glorified: and we thereby also so much the better be confirmed, considering how wonderfully he regardeth us: and would have us with patience fight against all the assaults of Satan & of the world: that we thereby might find by experience, that God is with us, and loveth us; Wherefore we have good cause the more confidently to call upon him, to run unto him, and stay our selves upon his goodness, and not to doubt of his help even unto the end.2 Thus we see then in sum why God trieth us, to wit, that he will have the gifts which he bestoweth on us to be applied to serve him: to the end all men might know his power, goodness, and wisdom: that thereby he might be glorified as he deserveth: But it is chiefly to this end, that we might know his fatherly goodness towards us, and be so much the more stirred up to honour him, and fully and wholly dedicate our selves unto him: and withal to trust altogether in him. Thus we see how Abraham was tempted, ⟨p. 237⟩and so are also all the faithful servants of God at this day. For, if we should live at ease, and the serving of God cost us nothing, what proof should there be of our faith? Moreover, which way should the true children of God, and such as serve him in simplicity of heart, be discerned from hypocrites? And therefore we must be tried by temptations, even as Gold and silver are tried in the Furnace. See also, why Saint Peter saith: That it is good reason, that our faith should be tried. 3Now because Gold & silver are precious things, therefore it is very meet they should be tried by the fire. And yet are but these corruptible metals: & shall our faith which is far more excellent be buried in the earth, and so rust, and God his glory not be seen therein? No, no, it must not be so; and therefore it is meet that it should be tried. Wherefore, let not us think it strange, that if the Lord should so deal with us, as to lose the reins to the devil, to lead us to do evil: