Although it be word for word; And they shall show thee, and shall know: yet the clause should be thus resolved, That they may show thee, yea that they may know at the last. Which phrase of speech is very common among the Hebrews. Now because the Egyptians had their soothsayers, they thought nothing to obscure or secret, but they might have sufficient resolution from them of it: for they went to ask counsel as well in things of small importance, as in great; and held whatsoever these men said, as oracles. This vanity the Prophet derides, saying; How will they show you that which they know not? Hath God made them of his counsel? It is very likely also that the art which they used in divining, is here condemned: for the art was not only unlawful of it self, but enchantments and sorceries were contained under it.1 There are three ways whereby we may know or foresee things to come. The first and chiefest is, by the revelation of the holy Ghost, who only can resolve us: as also by the gift of prophecy, which is imparted §1but to a few: the second, by Astronomy: §2the third, by conferring of things already past, §3whence they have been accustomed to gather the definition of prudence.2 As touching the knowledge of the stars, a man may at some times come to the discerning of certain things, by their situation and conjunction; to wit, famines, fruitful and unfruitful seasons, the pestilence, and such like: yet this is uncertain, because it hath its ground upon conjecture only. Respect therefore must always be had herein, what proportion the ⟨p. 192⟩stars have with these inferior places. For mens actions are not governed by them as a sort of foolish and deceitful Astrologians think, of whom there are multitudes at this day that insinuate themselves into the savour both of Princes and subjects, as if they had the knowledge of all things both present and to come in their sleeve. But such fellows are mere cozeners, who beguile men by their illusions, and resemble those of whom the Prophet speaks in this place: and yet Princes give ear unto them, reverencing them as if they were gods. Truly they are well worthy to be so abused; and it is also a just punishment upon them for their curiosity.
ALthough it be word for word; And they shall shew thee, and shall know: yet the clause should bee thus resolued, That they may shew thee, yea that they may know at the last. Which phrase of speech is very common among the Hebrewes. Now because the Egyptians had their soothsaiers, they thought nothing to obscure or secret, but they might haue sufficient resolution from them of it: for they went to aske counsell as well in things of small importance, as in great; and held whatsoeuer these men said, as oracles. This vanitie the Prophet derides, saying; How will they shew you that which they know not? Hath God made them of his counsell? It is verie likely also that the art which they vsed in diuining, is heere condemned: for the art was not onely vnlawfull of it selfe, but inchantments and sorceries were contained vnder it.1 There are three waies wherby we may know or foresee things to come. The first and chiefest is, by the reuelation of the holy Ghost, who onely can resolue vs: as also by the gift of prophecie, which is imparted §1but to a few: the second, by Astronomie: §2the third, by cōferring of things already past, §3whence they haue been accustomed to gather the definition of prudence.2 As touching the knowledge of the starres, a man may at some times come to the discerning of certaine things, by their situation and coniunction; to wit, famins, fruitfull and vnfruitfull seasons, the pestilence, and such like: yet this is vncertaine, because it hath its ground vpon coniecture onely. Respect therefore must alwaies be had herein, what proportion the ⟨p. 192⟩starres haue with these inferior places. For mens actions are not gouerned by them as a sort of foolish and deceitfull Astrologians thinke, of whom there are multitudes at this day that insinuate themselues into the sauour both of Princes and subiects, as if they had the knowledge of all things both present and to come in their sleeue. But such fellows are meere coseners, who beguile men by their illusions, and resemble those of whom the Prophet speakes in this place: and yet Princes giue eare vnto them, reuerencing them as if they were gods. Truly they are well worthie to be so abused; and it is also a iust punishment vpon them for their curiositie.
- 1Three ways by which we may foresee things to come.Three waies by which we may foresee things to come.
- 2Master Calvins judgement touching Astrology.Master Caluins iudgement touching Astrologie.
