A17640:1059
Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah
A commentary upon the prophecy of Isaiah. By Mr. John Calvin. Whereunto are added four tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
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.
First of all then let us consider why burial was so esteemed among all Nations. Doubtless this came from the Patriarchs, whose bodies the Lord commanded to be buried, in hope of the last resurrection. The carcasses of beasts are cast out,1 because they are ordained to none other end but to turn to rottenness: but our bodies are covered with earth, that being laid up therein, they may wait for the last day; at which time they shall be raised up to enjoy the soul in an eternal and blessed life.
First of all then let vs consider why buriall was so esteemed among all Nations. Doubtlesse this came from the Patriarks, whose bodies the Lord commanded to bee buried, in hope of the last resurrection. The carkases of beasts are cast out,1 because they are ordained to none other end but to turne to rottennesse: but our bodies are couered with earth, that being laid vp therein, they may wait for the last day; at which time they shall be raised vp to inioy the soule in an eternall and blessed life.
- 1The reason why we are buried, and beasts are not.
Whereas divers superstitions are crept in touching the burial of the dead, it is certain that Satan hath brought this to pass by his subtlety; who is wont to corrupt and pervert all things, which yet in their own nature are good and profitable: for he hath forged infinite ways whereby to bewitch men. But concerning the Jews, we are not to marvel if they had many ceremonies in this behalf, neither ought we to condemn them for it: for they had not so clear and manifest a revelation of the resurrection, because Christ was not yet revealed. But the matter is far otherwise now, seeing we behold our resurrection in Jesus Christ apparently, and the veil being taken away, we now see the promises as in the sunshine, which were obscure to the Jews. If at this day then any would bring in and revive the ancient ceremonies; such a one should suppress the light, and do great wrong unto Jesus Christ: for, they endeavour to put a veil before him, who hath discovered himself unto us with open face. Notwithstanding it is not unprofitable to regard the interring of the corps,