A17696:207
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.
And if his Master tarrieth within doors, he will settle himself to hearken what his Master will command him; as to bid him do this, or go to such a place. So then Abraham showed that he served not himself nor his own affections, but so dedicated himself unto God, as that whatsoever he had was his also. Neither did he this hypocritically, as a great many of men may say unto God with their mouths, Here am I: and yet notwithstanding be far enough from him. But when Abraham said, Here am I, he protested thereby that he was even before God: for afterward, he protested, that his feet, hands, eyes, ears, all his senses, and all the parts both of his body and soul were ready to serve God, and to put his neck under his yoke, and to go whither soever he would have him.
And if his Maister tarrieth within dores, hee will settle himselfe to harken what his Maister wil command him; as to bid him doo this, or goe to such a place. So then Abraham shewed that he serued not himself nor his owne affections, but so dedicated himselfe vnto God, as that whatsoeuer hee had was his also. Neither did hee this hypocritically, as a great many of men may say vnto God with their mouthes, Here am I: and yet notwithstanding befarre inough from him. But when Abraham saide, Here am I, he protested thereby that hee was euen before God: for afterward, he protested, that his feete, handes, eies, eares, all his senses, and all the partes both of his bodie and soule were ready to serue God, and to put his necke vnder his yoke, and to goe whither soeuer hee would haue him.
Thus we see what we are to retain from our father Abraham: & so let us understand and know that without this scope and end we shall altogether err (as I have already said) we may have all the commendable virtues of the world, & be esteemed of also like Angels, and yet all not worth a button, without we know that God seeth us, and would have us continually to bend our selves in all obedience unto him. And although he should at any time make us turn this way and that, and make us travail and toil to the uttermost; yet let not us at any hand give over obeying and fearing him, but say: Lord, here am I, whatsoever come of me: and be angry with all the obstacles which may hinder and pull us back; & be at defiance with all the difficulties, vexations, & combats that may be raised against us: Let us (I say) be angry with all this gear, that we may continually go on our course, until such time as we be come unto that scope and mark, whereunto God calleth us: that is to say, until we be delivered from all our miseries and afflictions, and enjoy the rest of his heavenly kingdom.