A17640:3272
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.
HE shows the reason why Cyrus shall prosper thus happily in all his enterprises, even for the conservation of Gods people. As if the Lord should have said, Thou shalt obtain a glorious victory, but it shall be more in respect of mine elect, then of thee: for, for their sakes it is that I have subdued kings and nations under thine obedience. By these prophesies then the Prophet meant to comfort the Jews, lest they should despair in the midst of so many calamities: and yet no doubt he also meant to teach Cyrus that he was beholding to the Jews for all his conquests, that by means hereof he might be inclined to use them with the better respect.
HE shewes the reason why Cyrus shall prosper thus happily in all his enterprises, euen for the conseruation of Gods people. As if the Lord should haue said, Thou shalt obteine a glorious victorie, but it shall be more in respect of mine elect, then of thee: for, for their sakes it is that I haue subdued kings and nations vnder thine obedience. By these prophesies then the Prophet meant to comfort the Iewes, lest they should despaire in the middes of so many calamities: and yet no doubt he also meant to teach Cyrus that hee was beholding to the Iewes for all his conquests, that by meanes hereof he might be enclined to vse them with the better respect.
In the second part of the verse there is a repetition which amplifies the reason very ⟨p. 477⟩much: and on the other side the Prophet shows by what right the Israelites came to be Gods servants, even because it pleased him freely to elect them. For it is not in the power of man to make himself the servant of God,1 or to obtain such an honour by his own free will. This word elect therefore is added as an exposition of the former member, and yet the end of our election is therewithal set down. For God finding us the very bondslaves of Satan by nature,2 calls us by his free grace, that we being set at liberty, should become his servants: notwithstanding he shows, that no man is worthy in himself of this favour, but he which is elect. For who dares brag that he hath merited so great a benefit? Or what can we do, or offer unto God? We are not sufficient of our selves, but the Lord makes us sufficient, as S. Paul saith,