A17640:3193
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. 12. The smith taketh an instrument, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with his hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is an hungered, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. 13. The Carpenter stretcheth out a line, he fashioneth it with a red thread: he planteth it, and he portrayeth it with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, and according to the beauty of a man, that it may remain in an house.
Vers. 12. The smith taketh an instrument, and worketh in the coales, and fashioneth it with his hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his armes: yea, hee is an hungred, and his strength faileth: hee drinketh no water, and is faint. 13. The Carpenter stretcheth out a line, he fashioneth it with a red threed: he planteth it, and he pourtraieth it with the compasse, and maketh it after the figure of a man, and according to the beautie of a man, that it may remaine in an house.
IT is not in vain that the Prophet makes this large description;1 for his meaning is to rouse up the drowsy consciences of the superstitious, out of their senseless blockishness; if by any means he might either terrify, or at least hinder the Jews from being made drunk with this poisoned cup: for they were compassed about on all sides with an infinite number of idolaters. He deciphers out every thing point by point, that he might give them clearly to discern of their spiritual frenzy and madness. I grant he might have condemned this their wickedness even in few words; but this large description makes it very apparent, when he thus reckons up the Smith, the Carpenter, the tools, labour, and diligence of these workmen; to bring us (as you would say) even to the acting of the thing it self. For men who naturally have these errors engraven in their understandings, are more moved this way, then by a plain sermon. Neither can they be wakened from their sluggishness, but by continual loud cries. All things therefore must of necessity be minced out unto them by small morsels; yea they had need have it chewed for them, and put into their mouths like young children, that so at the last they may comprehend that doctrine, which otherwise seems new and strange unto them.