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,…

but let them know, that these are holy goods, which ought to be reserved for the use of the Church, as well for the maintenance of the poor as I have already said, as also for the feeding of those which serve God and his people. Thus we see, that it was fit we should touch by the way, the law concerning tithes: and let us now go on with that which followeth. Moses now returneth to the king of Sodom, of whom ⟨p. 74⟩he had before spoken: and ceaseth to speak of Melchizedek. He saith, that the king of Sodom would have nothing else but the persons, and leave all the spoil to Abram: As if he would have said, that he demanded no whit of that which was taken from him by his enemies, for he knew very well that Abram had won it by conquest: he only required but the persons and his dwelling place. We know not whether he did this hypocritically yea or no, considering that all was in Abram his hands, or whether he thought in truth that he was worthy of all, and that it was enough that he and his people were rescued from the hands of his enemies. But how ever it was, it is said that Abram refused that offer, that he would take nothing that was his, no not so much as a thread or a shoolatchet. That is to say, not the worth of a pin as we commonly say: save that, saith he, which the young men have eaten: for they came not thither to pay any reckoning, and besides, they could have no less reward for venturing their lives to deliver the Sodomites. Well sir, as for that which they have eaten, let that, I say, alone: but as for those that came with me Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, they must needs have their portion of the spoil: for I will abridge them ⟨p. 75⟩of no whit of their benefit, neither is it for me to impose a law or matter of necessity upon them: I am liberal, and therefore I can in no wise straighten nor measure them. Let them then take their shares, as for me, I will have nothing. And for the better confirming of his speech, he saith, I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord the most high GOD, possessor of heaven and earth, as if he would have said, that he had sworn and would perform it, because it was not lawful for him to call back his word, and so thereby stop his mouth about the matter. We see here, that Abram his meaning was to eschew all offences, when as he refused to reap any benefit of any thing that was his.

but let them know, that these are holy goods, which ought to be reserued for the vse of the Church, as well for the maintenance of the poore as I haue alreadie said, as also for the feeding of those which serue God and his people. Thus wee see, that it was fit wee should touch by the way, the lawe concerning tithes: and let vs now go on with that which followeth. Moses now returneth to the king of Sodome, of whō