The Translator to the Christian Reader
JOHN CALVIN · SERMONS ON THE HISTORY OF MELCHIZEDEK
The Translator to the Christian Reader.
THou shalt receive here (Christian Reader) these few Sermons of Master John Calvin, for thy benefit, if thou wilt diligently read them without a prejudicate mind. Where, in the first three, thou shalt find how Abram delivered his nephew Lot from the hands of those which had taken him prisoner, and wherein also is handled who they are that ought to take war in hand, and how far they ought to proceed therein. In the next four is handled the doctrine of justification and salvation, by Faith only: whereby such as are led away by a false opinion of their good works and free will, may greatly profit themselves, and lay fast hold upon Jesus Christ alone, for their righteousness and sanctification, knowing how greatly these two graces must be distinguished and not confused, and that although they be never so closely tied and linked together, yet whoever he is that will be said to be reputed to be righteous and acceptable before God, by the benefit of his only beloved son, and in the meantime have no care nor conscience, nor yet will show any sign and token of the amendment of his life, and live in a holy conversation, that man I say must needs divide them, and cut in sunder the inseparable bond of them, and as much as in him lies, strive to dismember Jesus Christ, who by his righteousness, having made us good trees, does also sanctify us, to cause us bear and bring forth good fruit. In the last three, there is handled Abraham's obedience in the sacrificing of his son Isaac, which was a wonderful trial, so that in this thou may see that Abraham who is by the Spirit of God named the father of the faithful, was all the course of his life marvelously tried. And therefore as many as will be indeed the children of faithful
Abraham, must walk in his steps and abide many hard trials all their life long, except it shall please the Lord in great mercy to forbear them. Let us therefore beseech the Lord of all mercy, in the name of this great mediator, by whom alone we have access unto the throne of grace, daily to purge us more and more, to the end, that by his holy spirit we may bring forth more and better fruit, than we have yet heretofore done, that it may all serve for his glory, and the edification of his whole Church.
Farewell.