A17640:151
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. 15. And when you shall stretch out your hands I will hide mine eyes from you: and though you make many prayers, I will not hear: for your hands are full of blood.
Vers. 15. And when you shall stretch out your hands I will hide mine eies from you: and though you make many prayers, I will not heare: for your hands are full of blood.
IT came not from any superstition that the people in old time used to stretch out their hands in prayer: neither came this gesture of any vain or frivolous lust, as many others have done: But in regard that nature her self thrusteth forth her hands to seek for that which she desireth: testifying even by outward signs that she hath her recourse unto God. Therefore in as much as we cannot fly up unto him, we lift up our selves as it were unto him by this sign or gesture. True it is that the fathers had no commandment to do it: notwithstanding they used it as being inspired of God. And by this very sign are all idolaters convinced even of sottish blindness: for they protest by this outward gesture that they have their refuge in God, and yet notwithstanding in effect they withdraw their hearts from him to idols. Also to the end the superstitious might be the more convinced, the Lord was pleased that this custom should always continue in use amongst them. The Prophet then condemns not the lifting up of the hands simply, but their hypocrisy, whereby in appearance they made show to call upon God, but in their hearts they were far from him, as in the 29. chapter he doth more fully charge them. The Lord confesseth indeed that he is near; but it is to those that call upon him in truth, Psalm. 145.18. For where hypocrisy reigneth, there can be no true invocation. That therefore which is said in another place is not contrary to this; namely, when they shall stretch forth their hands unto me, I will hear them. For the Lord there speaks of that invocation which proceeds of faith. For faith is the mother of prayer: but if faith be absent, prayer is a mere mocking of God.