A17640:2255
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.
We may therefore hence conclude, that the Church hath no strength, unless the knowledge of God proceed all other benefits, and that she then truly florisheth, whilst she willingly confesseth to hold all the graces she hath of Gods free bounty. But where this light of the word is wanting, and the true knowledge of God is either dimmed, or put out, the greatest prosperity we can enjoy, is worse then all the miseries the world can afford. I therefore refer stability, strength, and salvation, to one & the same thing; to wit, that the Church shall have stability, when blindness and error being banished, men shall begin to learn the knowledge of God.
Wee may therefore hence conclude, that the Church hath no strength, vnlesse the knowledge of God preceede all other benefits, and that she then truly florisheth, whilest she willingly confesseth to hold all the graces shee hath of Gods free bountie. But where this light of the word is wanting, and the true knowledge of God is either dimmed, or put out, the greatest prosperitie we can inioy, is worse then all the miseries the world can afford. I therefore refer stabilitie, strength, and saluation, to one & the same thing; to wit, that the Church shall haue stabilitie, when blindnesse and error being banished, men shall begin to learne the knowledge of God.
By this we see what Church there is amongst the Papists, (a pompous and glorious one it is indeed in outward show); but where is this knowledge? Therefore can she not be stable; neither is she the Church of God. If the Lord then show us that favour, that the light of faith may shine truly amongst us, other ⟨p. 332⟩blessings no doubt shall easily flow unto us: and if it fall out we be shaken with divers storms, yet God will uphold us always with his hand. Now when he saith, thy times, he speaks to Hezekias, not as to a private person, but as to the head of the people, under whom also the whole body is comprehended.
By this wee see what Church there is amongst the Papists, (a pompous and glorious one it is indeed in outward shew); but where is this knowledge? Therfore cā she not be stable; neither is she the Church of God. If the Lord then shew vs that fauour, that the light of faith may shine truly amongst vs, other