A17640:2975
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.
By the holding of the hand, he means the Lords present help: as if he should say, I vvill govern and uphold thee in the vocation unto which I have called thee. In a word, as thy calling is just, so also will I sustain and maintain it, even as if I led thee by the hand. And the verb vvill keep, which is forthwith added, shows sufficiently what the holding by the hand signifies, to wit, that Christ shall be so governed of his Father, that he will be his teacher and protector in such wise that he will succour and assist him in all things.
By the holding of the hand, he meanes the Lords present help: as if he should say, I vvill gouerne and vphold thee in the vocation vnto vvhich I haue called thee. In a word, as thy calling is iust, so also will I susteine and maintaine it, euen as if I led thee by the hand. And the verb vvill keepe, which is forthwith added, shewes sufficientlie what the holding by the hand signifies, to wit, that Christ shall be so gouerned of his Father, that he will be his teacher and protector in such wise that he will succor and assist him in all things.
I vvill give thee for a covenant.] Now he expresseth the cause why God promiseth to be the protector of Christ. Moreover, he distinguisheth between the Jews and the Gentiles; not that they differ ought in nature, or, as if the one were more excellent then the other (for all have need of Gods grace,1 and Christ brings salvation indifferently to both) but in regard the Lord had attributed the first degree to the Jews, therefore it was good reason they should be distinguished from others.2 Before the partition wall then was broken down they were the more excellent, not by way of merit, but by the free grace of God, because the covenant thereof was first made with them.
I vvill giue thee for a couenant.] Now he expresseth the cause why God promiseth to be the protector of Christ. Moreouer, he distinguisheth betweene the Iewes and the Gentiles; not that they differ ought in nature, or, as if the one were more excellent then the other (for all haue neede of Gods grace,