A17696:71
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.
And if it cannot otherwise be avoided, but that there must be great excess, great loss & spoil committed, yet let them at the least resolve thus with themselves, not to take war in hand rashly, of self will, and for spoil: but that it be done for the just defence of a country, when as it shall be invaded by some wicked & mischievous violence. For, men may defend themselves against any king or prince, if so be they will set upon such as are desirous to live peaceably, and crave their friendship. Let men then have always this regard not to be ambitious & high minded, ⟨p. 83⟩ne yet desire another mans wealth: or else if any man will take arms upon him, let him look well to that which is here spoken of Abram▪ and conform himself after his example. For the holy Ghost meant not to commend him only because he was not covetous, & cared not for gold nor silver: but hath set him before us as a glass, to the end to learn us what rule to follow to do the like. For, we may find out fond excuses enough to cover our careless spoiling & robbing: but that will not serve our turns without we conform us unto the example of our father Abram. And this is it that we are to learn from this place. Howbeit, Abram contented not himself simply and plainly to say thus unto the king of Sodom: but he also swear withal, & said that he had bound himself by an oath, to the end to stop all mouths, and cut of all exceptions that the king might not go farther & say, well it were better for thee to take the spoil: no saith Abram, I will stand to that I have said. And besides, I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord the most high God. Now this manner of speech, of lifting up the hand, is because that men which are blockish and earthly▪ might be put in mind when they swear, by some sign & token, that it is as it were to call God to witness as judge. In very deed the word of it self importeth as much, when as we will say ⟨p. 84⟩I protest before God, or as God is my witness, or God plague me else. Now, when we use this manner of speech, our hairs of our heads should stand upright if we lye, or use any kind of deceit, for God will not forsake himself to agree unto our leasings, for if he should, he must needs annihilate his own majesty. For, he is as verily true, as his essence is unchangeable. The words then are sufficient enough of themselves: