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,…

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.

Now, behold Abraham, he seeth his owne sonne, and besides, he seeth him as a lambe lead by himselfe to the shambles, and him selfe also to be the man that must cut his throat, and afterward burne him to ashes: and to heare his soone which was with him speake so simply, Where is the beast for the burnt offering? To be short; wee see, that although God at this d•y should send vs all the afflictions that could be deuised, yet shoulde they be nothing in respect of that which Abraham here did beare. And if wee woulde alledge our infirmities, and saye, that our humaine passions would so carrie vs away, as that wee should neuer be able to do it. Why? Let vs thinke that Abraham was no more made either of Iron or Steele than wee are. But fall out as it would, he was fully resolued to giue the whole mastrie & superioritie vnto God, and so subiect himselfe, as to renounce ⟨p. 265⟩and forsake him selfe. Thus wee see whither we must bend our selues to come, although we haue many lets by the way: and although wee thinke wee are not able to march one foote forwarde; yet must wee enforce our selues beyond all force. For the question is not here; that wee should go vnto it as in our owne strength, as though we were verie able people of our selues: But we must attend & looke to haue God to furnish vs with that which is impossible for vs to doe, and farre aboue our power and abilitie. This then is it which we are here to retaine.