A17640:1836
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. Unto whom he said, This is the rest: give rest to him that is weary: and this is the refreshing, but they would not hear.
Vers. 12. Vnto whom he said, This is the rest: giue rest to him that is wearie: and this is the refreshing, but they would not heare.
Some expound this sentence in many words thus, If any say unto them, This is the rest, they will not hear: but this is of no force, neither doth it make that coherence which it should. The Prophet rather shows why God became a barbarian (as it were) to the Jews: to wit, because they wanted ears to hear him; so that in effect he spake as unto them that were deaf, for they would not learn what this rest meant. But this deafness proceeded from rebellion; for they presumptuously rejected all wholesome doctrine with a settled malice. It was a frowardness doubly inexcusable then, to reject that rest which was offered them, which all men also naturally desire. They were too far gone already in impiety §1to stop their ears when God spake: but §2their ingratitude was much more insupportable to despise so desirable a benefit with such an high hand. The Prophet shows them therefore what fruit they might have reaped from the obedience of faith, of which they deprived themselves by their own obstinacy. He blames their blindness and ignorance then, because all this proceeded from their rebellion: in that they maliciously shut their eyes against the clear light, which shined unto them from heaven, and loved rather to grope in darkness then to walk in the light.
SOme expoūd this sentence in many words thus, If anie say vnto them, This is the rest, they will not heare: but this is of no force, neither doth it make that coherēce which it should. The Prophet rather shewes why God became a barbarian (as it were) to the Iewes: to wit, because they wanted eares to heare him; so that in effect he spake as vnto them that were deafe, for they would not learne what this rest meant. But this deafnes proceeded from rebellion; for they presumptuouslie reiected all wholesome doctrine with a setled malice. It was a frowardnesse doubly inexcusable then, to reiect that rest which was offred them, which all men also naturally desire. They were too farre gone alreadie in impietie