^{16 Ref} For this cause `it is' of faith, that `it may be' according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

^{17 Ref} (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, `even' God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.

^{18 Ref} Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.