A17640:3197
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. 14. He will hew him down cedars, and take the pine tree and the oak, and taketh courage among the trees of the forrest: he planteth a fir tree, and the rain doth nourish it.
Vers. 14. He will hew him downe cedars, and take the pine tree and the oke, and taketh courage among the trees of the forrest: hee planteth a firre tree, and the raine doth nourish it.
1The Prophet sets forth not only the zeal and witless rage of Idolaters, but also their obstinacy and rebellion. For in that he saith, they cut down cedars, and did plant a fir-tree; it is to show that they persevered long in their folly, and were not overtaken with any sudden passion, which drove them to forge these gods. They are not content only to choose trees of sufficient growth, but they also plant them young, water, and husband them, and wait a long while, till they be come to a sufficient stature to make an Idol of. When we read these things, and see such an horrible rage, let us know that God takes us by the neck (as it were) to pull us thence, and to continue us in true piety. We must take these foxes (I mean these lusts) betimes, and kill them whilst they be cubs, lest if we nourish them over long in our breasts, they grow wild and impregnable. We are evermore to watch over our own hearts, that a wicked lust no sooner creeps in to carry us away to the love of Idols, but we forthwith root it out, for fear of falling into these deep gulfs; because even the best of us all bears about with us some seeds of this brutishness, which by no means can be weeded out: nay, they will bud & sprout up in us without ceasing, unless we be purged of them by the power of the holy Ghost.