Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.