A17640:2795
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.
That this calamity then might not cause the Jews to forget the true religion; God riseth up and saith, that a greater wrong can not be done unto him, then if the faithful being wrung by afflictions, should therefore conform themselves to the idolatries and superstitions of the Gentiles. Thus then he confirms them in the truth of his promises, lest they should faint under the burdens which they were to sustain.
That this calamitie then might not cause the Iewes to forget the true religion; God riseth vp and saith, that a greater wrong can not be done vnto him, then if the faithfull being wrung by afflictions, should therefore conforme themselues to the idolatries and superstitions of the Gentiles. Thus then he confirmes them in the truth of his promises, lest they should faint vnder the burthens which they were to susteine.
But the Prophet speaks not to the men of his time only, as we have said, but to all their §1successors who were to undergo sharp assaults against the Idols of profane nations, §2under whom they were held captives. And in the second place they had enough to do to shun the evil examples and customs of those nations: for it was exceeding difficult for them to continue constant being mingled among Idolaters, and daily beholding their corrupt manners. To the end therefore that they might not be tainted with any vain conceit, to wit, that the affairs of the Idolaters prospered well, in regard of the honour which they did to their Idols and false gods: the Prophet, I say, prevents such an offence, and saith, that they were in no wise to compare the gods of the Gentiles with the God whom they and their fathers worshipped: for those gods were made with mens hands; the matter of them being but gold, silver, wood, stone, or such like: but their God was the Creator of heaven and earth. Great must the outrage be therefore against his Majesty, when the same shall be compared with things of nothing: yea, it is a dishonour in the highest degree if he be not exalted far above the Angels, or whatsoever is called God.