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,…

Wherefore there could be no such seed as is here spoken of, except Jesus Christ were the head, and we united to him as members of his body, and thereby to be of the house of God, and so consequently of the house of Abram. Now we see that God made this seed to seem small, that he might increase it. And this is a kind of dealing which seemeth strange unto the world: but we must all be brought to be acquainted with this. For according to the common opinion, when we speak of seed, the first borne must bring in the second, and so all the rest: one after another. Now, God dealeth otherwise, when as he will have seed: yea such a great number and multitude as that it would make a man abashed to see it, and GOD so cutteth off, abridgeth, and diminisheth it, as that in time it cometh so to pass, that it seemeth to be as it were quite and clean consumed ⟨p. 100⟩and no whit left thereof, as in the tenth Chapter of his Prophet Isaiah he saith: but he doth it because he would within a while after multiply the same beyond all mans reason and expectation: to the end his wonderful power might be the better known, and all men thereby be forcibly driven to worship him. For although there descended of Abram marvellous many people, as first of all, the twelve Tribes, besides the Ishmaelites and the Idumeans: yet was there never so great a multitude in his house, as came by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ. For they which appertained not unto Abram as concerning the flesh, were notwithstanding made his household meiny. For as we shall hereafter see, he was the father of all the faithful in general. Wherefore the posterity of Abram was far greater, when as he lessened that which descended of him concerning the flesh, then if he had let them all to have remained and continued still. We are therefore hereby admonished, not to measure the works of God according to our opinion and fantasy: but give place unto his incomprehensible power, and be contented when he hath said the word, that he is of power able to accomplish the same, as hereafter it shall be more at large handled.

Wherefore there could bee no such seede as is here spoken of, except Iesus Christ were the head, and wee vnited to him as members of his bodie, and thereby to be of the house of God, and so consequently of the house of Abram. Now we see that God made this seede to seeme small, that he might encrease it. And this is a kinde of dealing which seemeth straunge vnto the world: but wee must all be brought to be acquainted with this. For according to the common opinion, when wee speake of seed, the first borne must bring in the second, and so all the rest: one after another. Now, God dealeth otherwise, when as hee will haue seede: yea such a great number and multitude as that it would make a man abashed to see it, and GOD so cutteth off, abridgeth, and diminisheth it, as that in time it commeth so to passe, that it seemeth to bee as it were quyte and cleane consumed