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,…

WE have already begun to declare, that Melchizedek, of whom mention is here made, was a figure of our lord Jesus Christ. And to the end we might the more attentively hearken unto this doctrine, we are to remember that, which yesterday was delivered unto us, that is, that God sware by a solemn oath, That he that should be king; over the people, should also be a Priest. Now it is certain, that God is very sparing and ⟨p. 32⟩careful of his name; and casteth it not out at all adventures: for his meaning is, that we should have it in all reverend regard, & not take it but upon necessity, & to such an use as is worthy the holiness thereof: and for his part also giveth us an example. And therefore we are to conclude, that this is a point of great importance and marvellous profitable for us to know, that he which should be the redeemer of the people, should also have the title both of a king & a priest. And in deed, if we should separate the one from the other, the faith that we have in our Saviour Jesus Christ, should be very weak, and should have no certain nor firm foundation. For, there are two things requisite to our salvation: the one is, that God accepteth us as righteous, and voweth us for his children: the other is, that we might be guided by his hand, and maintained and warranted by his invincible power. If we should take but one of these points, we should understand it but by halves. And mark how: Put the case that God were merciful unto us, and would not impute unto us our sins, yet if the devil had power over us, and we left as a pray unto all the assaults wherewith he should assail us: how could it otherwise be, but that we must be most miserable castaways. On the other side, if God should ⟨p. 33⟩display his power for our defence, and yet we not reconciled unto him, and so not reputed and holden to be righteous and just: no doubt of it but that we must needs still come to reckoning. And then woe unto us, when as we should be judged without mercy. But we know, that all our righteousness consisteth in this, that God hath mercy upon us, and hath buried all our offences.

WE haue already begun to declare, that Melchisedech, of whom mention is here made, was a figure of our lord Iesus Christ. And to the ende wee might the more attentiuely hearken vnto this doctrine, wee are to remember that, which yesterday was deliuered vnto vs, that is, that God sware by a solemne oath, That he that should be king; ouer the people, should also be a Priest. Now it is certaine, that God is verie sparing and