A17640:2924
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.
Quest. But here ariseth a difficult question, for in profane histories there are many predictions which the Idolaters received from their gods: for which cause it might seem that Apollo, Jupiter, and others, knew of things to come: and therefore they were Gods. First I answer, Ans. that if we consider what the oracles were which these Idols gave forth, we shall find there was either obscurity, or, great ambiguity in them all.1 As, that which was given to Pyrrhus, Thy men overcome shall the Romans. And, to Croesus, after he hath passed H•lys, Croesus shall overthrow many kingdoms. How the event will show that touching the first we must understand it thus, The Romans §1shall overcome thy men. And for the second, §2After Croesus hath passed Halys, he shall overthrow many kingdoms: not other mens, but his own. Thus Satan at that time vexed the minds of men by these entangled ambiguities, that he might always leave them hanging in suspense, that gave themselves to be directed by such impostures.
Quest. But here ariseth a difficult question, for in prophane histories there are many predictions which the Idolaters receiued from their gods: for which cause it might seeme that Apollo, Iupiter, and others, knew of things to come: and therefore they were Gods. First I answere, Ans. that if we consider what the oracles were which these Idols gaue forth, wee shall finde there was either obscuritie, or, great ambiguitie in them all.1 As, that which was giuen to Pyrrhus, Thy men ouercome shall the Romans. And, to Cressus, after he hath passed H•lys, Crsoeus shal ouerthrow many kingdoms. How the euent will shew that touching the first we must vnderstand it thus, The Romans §1shall ouercome thy men. And for the second, §2After Croesus hath passed Halys, he shall ouerthrow many kingdomes: not other mens, but his owne. Thus Satan at that time vexed the minds of men by these intangled ambiguities, that he might alwaies leaue them hanging in suspence, that gaue themselues to be directed by such impostures.