Thirteen sermons of Master John Calvin, entreating of the free election of God in…Thirteene sermons of Maister Iohn Caluine, entreating of the free election of God in…

he addeth that every one speak in trueth to his neighbours. When we shall have proceeded thus far herein, see how we shall be holden and reputed true before God. But if there be any sleights or crafts, and that we endeavour to speak so, that it cannot be understood what we say, and that it be so wrested and turned, as if our tongue were double, in this we are already condemned for liars. This then in sum is that which we have to learn upon this point. Now when it is said, That Isaac feared lest he should have been killed for his wives sake:

hee addeth that euery one speake in trueth to his neighbours. When we shall haue proceeded thus farre heerein, see how wee shalbe holden and reputed true before God. But if there be any sleights or craftes, and that we indeuour to speake so, that it cannot be vnderstoode what wee say, and that it be so wrested and turned, as if our tongue were double, in this wee are already condemned for lyers. This then in sūme is that which we haue to learne vpon this point. Nowe when it is said, That Isaack feared lest he should haue beene killed for his wiues sake:

There is no doubt, but that he might thereby also have taken occasion, seeing (as Abraham his father alleged) that there was no fear of God in the country: not for that there was so outrageous Impiety, that neither good nor evil was known there. For we see how the King of the Country spake: but forasmuch as the true religion ruled not there, and because there was nothing but Idolatry, it seemed rather to Isaac that all was confused. For in deed we shall never have a sure ⟨image 93⟩rule, to walk in equity and right, unless we have the majesty of God present, and that we be holden in with that, as it were a bridle. Now when we know not what God is, and that we have nothing but confuse speculations, albeit that we have some honesty, and though we have the discerning of good and evil, and that we are not given to hurt, nor to commit wrong and violence, yet so it is that there is no staidness in us. For (as I have said) we cannot build upon any other foundation, to have a firm & stable building, but upon the fear of God going before. Isaac therefore might have some occasion to fear & to prevent danger: but in the mean while he ought to have known, of what force God his safeguard was, even such as it had bin before by experience declared unto him: For if he had bin well advised, he would not but have understood that God had his arm stretched out, for to have succoured him, & that invisible manner: For he had said unto him: Fear not, for I am with thee: I am thy very large reward. It is true that this was not spoken expressly to him: but that which was spoken to his father, was aswell spoken him. For he was the heir of that promise.