A17696:222
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.
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 then when see how we are to honour God, that is, when as we speak of the acceptation of his promises, we hold us to them, and resolve to go whithersoever he commandeth us: To wite, let us know, That the issues of death are in his hand, as in the three score and eight Psalm it is said: and although we see nothing else but bottomless depths before us, making show to swallow us quite and clean up: yet let us go on whither soever GOD calleth us. Now it is namely said, That Abraham saddled his Ass, and laid the wood upon him with the rest of the provision, and went on with two of his Servants and his Sonne.
Novv then vvhen see hovv vvee are to honour God, that is, vvhen as vvee speake of the acceptation of his promises, vve hold vs to them, and resolue to go vvhithersoeuer he commandeth vs: To vvite, let vs knovv, That the issues of death are in his hande, as in the three score and eight Psalme it is saide: and although vve see nothing else but bottomles depths before vs, making shevv to svvallovv vs quite and cleane vp: yet let vs goe on vvhither soeuer GOD calleth vs. Novv it is namely said, That Abraham sadled his Asse, and laid the wood vpon him with the rest of the prouision, and went on with two of his Seruaunts and his Sonne.
Here Moses more especially expresseth that, which hath been heretofore touched▪ To wite, that God tried the faith of Abraham to the full, in holding him in suspense.
Heere Moses more especially expresseth that, vvhich hath beene heeretofore touched▪ To vvite, that God tryed the faith of Abraham to the full, in holding him in suspence.
It was sufficient, if Abraham had but cut the wood, and had gone but an arrow shot only to have killed his son: But he must take a good long journey in hand, he could not tell whither, nor yet how fair; and withal, night also approacheth, which always bringeth with it more sorrow, grief and care: for whensoever any man is full of pensiveness and care, no doubt of it, his pain and grief is far more intolerable in the night than in the day: and yet must Abraham abide all this, and be vexed every way. Well Sir, he riseth again next morning betimes, and then beginneth his grief afresh. All that day he beholdeth his son, whom he must after a short while kill: and besides, these fantasies are still tumbling in his mind. What? must I murder mine own flesh and blood? and must I commit the most detestable act that is possibly to be imagined, both before God and men? Why? this is such a monstrous piece of work, as is able to make the hairs of all the whole world stand upright? And yet (notwithstanding) fall out as it will, Abraham must be driven still to do it, and continue the second night until the third day before such time as God showed him the mountain Moria, which is the place whereon Jerusalem was afterward built.