A17696:204
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.
Here then we see, how many ways the Lord so sounded the heart of his servant, as that all the temptations which we were able to pile up together would never be like: and if we should compare them with those that should be laid upon us to abide, they would seem nothing in respect of that which we here see. And therefore we see that God wonderfully spareth our weakness, in not bringing us thus far. For if any of us should be visited with any sickness that should last long, we would so sorrow and grieve, as that we would be very angry with God.
Here then wee see, how many waies the Lord so sounded the heart of his seruaunt, as that all the temptations which wee were able to pyle vp togither would neuer be like: and if wee should compare them with those that should be laide vpon vs to abide, they would seeme nothing in respect of that which wee here see. And therfore we see that God wonderfully spareth our weaknes, in not bringing vs thus farre. For if any of vs should be visited with any sicknes that should last long, wee would so sorrow and grieue, as that we would be verie angrie with God.
Again, if any man should dye, his wife would grow so melancholy, as that she would be altogether impatient and murmuring. If God should take away any of our children: yea, although we had many, we would be angry with our selves, and weep and mourn extremely: and therefore, what would we do if we should be brought to this pass, as here it is said, even to kill with our own hands our own children, and not leave one alive, but dispatch our house of them all? yet would not all this be any whit comparable unto Abraham his trial. For, the children which God bestoweth upon us now at this day, are not the ground work of our salvation: Neither ought we to leave the having of our Lord Jesus Christ, although all ⟨p. 245⟩human knowledge should perish and decay: Wherefore let us acknowledge that God supporteth us, and pitieth our weakness when as he bringeth not us unto so hard a trial, as this which Moses here maketh mention of. Let this then be a good advertisement unto us that when God shall prove us, that we yield our necks to the yoke, & suffer him to make trial of us. And this is the most principal point of all our life, so to yield our selves as that God may dispose of us as pleaseth him: and not grudgingly reply and say, that he dealeth thus and thus hardly with us. This (I say) is the chiefest point of our whole life. In very deed (I must needs say) that this were a very excellent great good gift in us, as to be able to walk in integrity of life amongst our neighbours, to do no man wrong, to live chastely, and soberly all the days of our life, eschewing all drunkenness, intemperance, blasphemy, and such like.