A17640:2754
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. 7. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Vers. 7. The grasse withereth, the flower fadeth; because the spirit of the Lord bloweth vpon it: surely the people is grasse.
This may well be understood of the beauty of the fields, which the violence of one gale of wind spoils; as it is said in the hundred and third Psalm: for we know that the wind is called the spirit of God in other places. But I rather think the similitude is applied to the present purpose, because otherwise the application would be obscure. The Prophet then expounds his own meaning when he said, that men with all their glory were nothing but grass, because the spirit of God will consume them in the top of their pride with one blast. Therefore this speech must be thus resolved; Howsoever it be true that men being indeed with excellent parts of nature, may flourish; yet they shall know that all is but vanity, when the Spirit of God shall but blow upon them. For in that they grow so besotted in their own overweenings, it is because they never set themselves in Gods presence, but dig themselves hiding places, that they may flatter themselves without check or control. To the end then that they might no more deceive themselves with the sweet deceits of lying vanities, the Prophet summons them before Gods judgement seat, and grants indeed that they flourish in appearance, as long as they keep themselves a great way o•f from the presence of Gods Majesty; but let the Lord begin once to blow upon them, their all their beauty and strength shall forthwith vanish into smoke. He seems to attribute an office to the Spirit of God, Object. which is not very fitting unto it: for it is his property to […] the face of the earth: as on the other si he withdraw himself never so little, all things fall to nothing: