A17640:145
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.
Vers. 12. When ye come to appear before me, who required this of your hands to tread in my courts?
Vers. 12. When yee come to appeare before mee, who required this of your hands to tread in my courts?
Behold here a most excellent refutation of counterfeit worship; when God affirms they came not before him as he commanded them: pronouncing in general that it is but lost labour when men offer him that which he requires not: because he will be no otherwise served then according to his commandment. Whence is it then that men do so please themselves in such inventions, but because they understand not that all their serving of God is unprofitable and odious in his eyes? For otherwise they would by and by think thus with themselves, Surely, God requires obedience as the principal:1 neither would they with such overweening extol the•r own works; which he on the other si•e scorns and derides: not only for that he receives no profit at all thereby; but because he would not have men to attribute that unto him, which they have rashly invented of their own heads without his commandment: and also because he cannot endure that men should establish their own fantasies, in stead of his law. Although to the end he may yet touch them nearer to the quick, he by and by adds, That it is a service falsely so called; which he esteems to be but lost labour: namely, that in assembling themselves in the Temple, they did nothing else but wear the pavements thereof with their feet: as if he should say, You must needs think that I am much bound to you, for beating mine ears thus with your feigned prayers.