A17696:240
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.
Thus we see that we can have no faith except we set forth the providence of God: and the mean to advance and set it forth, is, to put over unto him all whatsoever that breedeth nothing else but doubts, and snareth us in many perplexities. And to be short, that we may say: I beseech thee O Lord, to guide me whither it shall please thee: For, as for me, I am but a poor blind wretch, neither is it fit for me to look into this; for that will be, as it were, a bottomless depth, to cast my self down headlong into, when as I shall take in hand to direct my self, and to be mine own guide. Here we see what the true wisdom is, which all the children of God ought to have: that is, not to be ⟨p. 274⟩over-wise, but to be contented with their measure: and when they see the way that is pointed out for them, to walk therein: and if they cannot come to the end thereof at the first; yet let them not cease to go on. And although they see, as it were, mountains to stay them, and the Sea to swallow them up in: yet yet let them overcome all this, and know that it was not written in vain by the Psalmist, where it is said, That God hath commanded his Angels to guide and direct us, when as we shall walk in our ways: 1that is to say; that we decline not from that which he hath taught us. But let us know that he will always find out issues for those things that shall grieve & trouble us, when as in our judgement we shall see nothing else but confusion and shame of face. Moreover, here might, notwithstanding be found some infirmity in Abraham amidst all his so excellent virtues, because it seemeth that he dissembled in saying, That he and his son would come back again after they had worshipped and sacrificed in the Mountain: For he did assure him self that his son Isaac must be slain. Now it is not lawful for us in any wise to lye: And therefore it seemeth that Abraham in this point did amiss. Wherefore some men do judge that he spake it by the spirit of Prophecy. But if it should be so, then his faith was nothing; because he must ⟨p. 275⟩needs then be ignorant of that which should come to pass. For if God had revealed unto him that his son should escape; then could there be neither zeal ne yet constancy in him. But when as he imagined that there was no way with him, but to kill his son; this showed a testimony of his obedience.