A17640:189
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.
Every one loveth gifts.] He also shows the cause wherefore the Princes had society with the thieves, and by a wicked conspiracy had coupled themselves with them, to foster and maintain all injustice: to wit, covetousness. For justice is gone when Judges are given to the love of money: for if accepting of persons be such a corruption in judgment, that where it reigns, equity hath no place at all; truly, whosoever he be that is possessed with covetousness, such a one hath more respect to the person then to the cause. And therefore he cannot see the right: but will practise that which one saith, to wit, he will make laws, and unmake them again.
Euery one loueth gifts.] Hee also shewes the cause wherefore the Princes had societie with the theeues, and by a wicked conspiracie had coupled themselues with them, to foster and maintaine all iniustice: to wit, couetousnes. For iustice is gone when Iudges are giuen to the loue of monie: for if accepting of persons be such a corruption in iudgment, that where it reignes, equitie hath no place at all; truely, whosoeuer he be that is possessed with couetousnes, such a one hath more respect to the person then to the cause. And therefore he cannot see the right: but will practise that which one saith, to wit, hee will make lawes, and vnmake them againe.
By this we are advertised, what a virtue it is in a Magistrate to know how to contemn gifts: for if he cannot curb his desires, his hands and eyes, he will never judge justly. It is therefore but a tale when some say, they can keep a good conscience, though they receive rewards, seeing that which the Lord saith, remains ever true; namely, that gifts do blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the just:1 Deut. 16.29. There is no man then so perfect, nor so wise and learned, whose eyes & understanding may not be blinded with gifts. Whence it is that he justly chargeth the Judges to be companions with thieves, because being carried away with a blind desire of money, there was no law neither of God nor of man which they perverted not, and that there remained amongst them no respect either of shame or equity.