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,…

Abram therefore knowing the reason why he had taken Arms upon him, took not liberty, nor yet sought cunningly to excuse himself, as such as hunt after gain do: but ⟨p. 81⟩said that he would take nothing. And yet for all that he could not abridge Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, of any portion that was due unto them, because they were men over whom he had no government. For they came thither with him of good will: and being his friends and allies aided him, to the end to bring back his Nephew Lot: and therefore would in no wise take any of their right from them. Here on the one side we see what a temperate man Abram was, and on the other side we see, although he took not the worth of a pin, yet could it not so fare with him, but that he received thereby Josse and damage, and that such as were in his company could not choose but be spoiled: which thing more manifestly showeth, that whosoever he is that shall begin to make war, yea although he might be as it were as an Angel of heaven, that cared not either for gold or silver, and had rather die then vouchsafe once to gain the worth of an halfpenny, under pretence that he had adventured his life: yet notwithstanding, that war of it self bringeth always with it many sins and iniquities, or else wonderful excess: and although it might justly be said to be lawful, yet can it not be chosen but that great outrage will be committed, and many men come home by weeping cross as we say: for, one man ⟨p. 82⟩shall have his house set on fire, another shall be robbed, another rifled even to his very bedstraw, and another shall be so spoiled of all his wares, as that he shall be left stark bare. And therefore whensoever there is open wars, there must needs be weeping & wailing, and wringing of hands: wherefore, we ought continually to be admonished to be as it were close fisted: and take heed how they enter into such confusions, as that there can be found no remedy against them, albeit they carried such a mind with them in their government, as the very Angels do, as I have already said. To be short, they that justly defend themselves, and are enforced so to do, ought yet so wisely and warily to behave themselves, as that they follow at least the steps of our father Abram.

Abram therfore knowing the reason why he had taken Armes vppon him, tooke not libertie, nor yet sought cunningly to excuse himselfe, as such as hunt after gaine do: but ⟨p. 81⟩