A17696:33
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.
1And because he thrust himself into an office which God expressly forbade, and troubled the vocation & order which should have been inviolably kept, we see wherefore he is punished. And for so much as he would not content himself with his estate and degree, therefore it was meet that he should be made infamous and detestable, and be quite and clean separated from the company of men. Thus we see that in the law were two things which were not tolerated to be ⟨p. 26⟩in one man, to wit, kingdom and priesthood. And therefore seeing it is so, we must conclude, that this example which is here set down is absolute singular, and appertaineth not unto the law. True it is, that at that time, the law was not as then written, and the Tribe of Levy was not yet in the world, to take upon it the right of the priestly dignity: howbeit this example is here set down unto us for instruction, to the end the law might remain in her full strength, and the Church thereby might be edified, as appeareth by the Psalm by me alleged. And therefore we must conclude,2 that it was not spoken of Solomon, nor yet of any other king descended from the Stem of David: For, if they were kings, they must not have intermeddled themselves with the priesthood, for if they did, they were Apostates. Wherefore, when it is said, that there should be a king a figure of Melchizedek, and according to his order and estate: that showeth that it was not spoken of the whole race of David, which was descended of him according to the flesh, saving until such time as we come unto the high priest our Lord Jesus Christ. True it is, that he is the son of David and of his seed. But there is in him an especial yea an only regard to be had: which is, that he made ⟨p. 27⟩an end of the priesthood of the law, because his kingdom is spiritual: and that is it also, that shall make an end of this earthly kingdom, which was established but for a time, and that until his coming. Now, when it is called perpetual: the meaning is, that he hath continued in the person of the redeemer. And therefore this is it that we are to observe out of these words of Moses, when he saith, That Melchizedek was king of Salem, and that he was withal a priest. We see then, that these two offices belong to none but unto our Lord Jesus Christ: according to that rule which God hath set down in his law: