A17696:232
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.
As for example: If a poor man should be led to his death, not knowing any thing thereof; although he were nothing to us, and we not present when as he should be thus dealt withal, but did only think upon it, and say in our selves: what a strange thing is this, to hear of a poor man led to the shambles as a lamb to be slain, no whit doubting of any such thing. Surely, the very thinking of it would make us shed tears.
As for example: If a poore man should be led to his death, not knowing any thing therof; although he were nothing to vs, and wee not present when as he should be thus dealt withall, but did only thinke vpon it, and saye in our selues: what a straunge thing is this, to heare of a poore man ledd to the shambles as a lambe to be slaine, no whit doubting of any such thing. Surely, the verie thinking of it would make vs shed teares.
Now, behold Abraham, he seeth his own son, and besides, he seeth him as a lamb lead by himself to the shambles, and him self also to be the man that must cut his throat, and afterward burn him to ashes: and to hear his soon which was with him speak so simply, Where is the beast for the burnt offering? To be short; we see, that although God at this d•y should send us all the afflictions that could be devised, yet should they be nothing in respect of that which Abraham here did bear. And if we would allege our infirmities, and say, that our human passions would so carry us away, as that we should never be able to do it. Why? Let us think that Abraham was no more made either of Iron or Steele than we are. But fall out as it would, he was fully resolved to give the whole mastery & superiority unto God, and so subject himself, as to renounce ⟨p. 265⟩and forsake him self. Thus we see whither we must bend our selves to come, although we have many lets by the way: and although we think we are not able to march one foot forward; yet must we enforce our selves beyond all force. For the question is not here; that we should go unto it as in our own strength, as though we were very able people of our selves: But we must attend & look to have God to furnish us with that which is impossible for us to do, and far above our power and ability. This then is it which we are here to retain.