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…

Now here Moses beginneth too rehearse how Rebecca found out a subtlety and craft to rob Esau of his blessing, and too translate it too Jacob: and after that we have spoken of the vices of Isaac, we see the like in his wife Rebecca: and yet nevertheless they both believed in God: notwithstanding that it was so darkened and bewrapped, that it could hardly be discerned. That Isaac had a true faith: and that this proceeded from a true zeal, it appeareth plainly: For if he had not been thoroughly persuaded hereof in himself, that the heritage should be given him which was promised to him, and to his seed concerning this blessing: What had this bin? Surely but a crafty part and a thing of nought. Isaac therefore must needs be resolved, howsoever he saw himself as it were already in the grave, his life to be spent, and to have but a day too live: ⟨image 147⟩howsoever this were, yet nevertheless he always held this sure which was said unto him: to wit, that his family should be blessed, and that GOD had chosen him, and that this was not in vain, & that albeit he saw not the fulfilling of these promises in this world, yet notwithstanding that god was in heaven, and that neither he nor his should be deceived: but yet they must wait for this. Wherefore Isaac having fought all the time of his life against all the tentations which might have overthrown him, doeth yet in death persevere in faith and patience, and doth this honour unto God that he doth boldly trust in him. For whosoever trusteth in God shall never be confounded. Isaac had this, & this was a very excellent faith. For see a poor wayfaring man: it is said unto him, thou shalt be the heir of this country, and yet notwithstanding he had no water to drink as we have seen. Now notwithstanding death doth threaten him: yet knoweth he not when it shall be, saving that he is altogether ready for it. And yet for all that he despiteth both Satan and the world, and remaineth steadfast in this, that God will not deceive him: & that it is all one to him whether he dye, or whether he moulder in the ground: so that the truth of God may yet continue, & have his full virtue and power. Lo Isaac the who seeketh not for the world, but forsaketh all his senses and remaineth steadfast: & doubteth not but that god had mercy on him & on his stock. Herein as I have said we have good cause to praise him:

Nowe heere Moyses beginneth too rehearse howe Rebecca founde out a subtiltie and craft to robbe Esau of his blessing, and too translate it too Iacob: and after that we haue spoken of the vices of Isaack, we see the like in his wife Rebecca: and yet neuerthelesse they bothe beleeued in God: notwithstanding that it was so darkened and bewrapped, that it could hardly be discerned. That Isaack had a true faith: and that this proceeded from a true zeale, it appeareth plainely: For if he had not beene thorowly perswaded heereof in himselfe, that the heritage should be giuen him which was promised to him, and to his seede concerning this blessing: What had this byn? Surely but a craftie parte and a thing of nought. Isaack therfore must needs be resolued, howsoeuer hee saw himselfe as it were already in the graue, his life to bee spente, and to haue but a day too liue: