A17696:92
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.
This word Impute, importeth as much, as to allow or account of. As when a man oweth any thing, if he hath paid it, he is allowed it. Or if when his debts are set down he showeth, that he hath paid this, and paid that, well he is so allowed it, as that he is discharged of it, and hath his quietus est. Now in our natural French language this word Impute, is always taken in ill part. For we never say, that any virtue is imputed to a man: for the word Impute importeth a matter of reproach, or of a fault done: for we will say, this matter will be imputed unto him as a fault. Now the scripture useth this word in common, as well in good part as in ill, that is, imputeth righteousness, and imputeth not sins. And therefore when it is said, that Faith was imputed unto Abram▪ it is as much to say, as that it overthroweth whatsoever might come as from him. Nevertheless we shall never ⟨p. 114⟩be able to understand the valour and estimation of this word, but by the contrary. For when it is said, that sins are imputed unto us, it is as much to say, as our sins are registered in the Records, and we stand in them condemned, so that there remaineth nothing but judgement and execution. And therefore accursed are we so long as God imputeth unto us our trespasses. For it is said,1 Blessed are they to whom the Lord imputeth not their sins. And so consequently, accursed is the whole world, when as GOD shall proceed as a Judge against it, and impanel a Jewry of life and death thereon. What then is the meaning of these words: That Faith is imputed for righteousness? It is this, that God putteth it into an allowance for us, so that thereby our sins are not imputed unto us: for the one cannot be understood without the other: and therefore the imputing of righteousness, is the cause why our sins are no more imputed unto us to judge and condemn us. For the imputing of righteousness, is in sum, mere pardon and absolution. Here now we see the right meaning of this word. And now let us see what this word righteousness importeth: For this word is not a virtue, as if a man should say him to be just and righteous which governeth without ⟨p. 115⟩out reproach. But the righteousness which is here spoken of, is a favour and grace which God bestoweth upon us, because he would have mercy upon us, and of his mere liberality be reconciled unto us.