A17640:3183
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. 9. All they that make an Image are vanity, and their* delectable things shall not profit them: and they are their own witnesses that they see not nor know: therefore they shall be confounded.
Vers. 9. All they that make an Image are vanitie, and their* delectable things shall not profite them: and they are their owne witnesses that they see not nor know: therefore they shall be confounded.
- *Or, desirable.
The Lord now on the contrary shows how miserable the Idolaters are which err and vanish away in their inventions, being not fast grounded upon his eternal truth, to wit, they are senseless and void of sound judgement. And as he hath heretofore justly condemned the ingratitude of the people, if by the testimonies of Gods prescience and providence they were not encouraged to hope well: so now on the contrary, he arms and fortifies them against the superstitions of the Gentiles.1 But in regard the unbelievers were many in number, and flowed in forces and riches, he denounceth that all is vanity; and to be short, that all their goodly shows would prove deceitful helps in the end. By their desirable 2things, he not only comprehends their Idols, but also all their service, vestments, pomp, and ceremonies, which fools are wont to honour them withal. And he sets out these things by a very fit word: for seeing the chief end of mans life3 consists in advancing the true knowledge and worship of God (wherein stands the main difference between us and brute beasts) so must it be preferred before all things be they never so excellent: to this (I say) we ought to refer all the thoughts and desires of our hearts. It is not without cause then that the Scripture useth this word, when it speaks of Gods worship and service: but it is used here touching a corrupt and furious zeal wherewithal Idolaters are carried away after their Idols, and their services: for this cause he saith that all their desirable things about which they spend so much time, are both vain and unprofitable. Oftentimes also this desire is compared to the filthy lust wherewith men are so bewitched, or wholly blinded, that they can not see their villainy, nor yet obey common reason, whereof we have largely spoken in the first Chapter.