A17640:3331
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.
If any shall object Object. on the contrary, that the earth was without form, and void even after it was created, as it appears in Genes. 1.2. where Moses useth the same word Tohu, that the Prophet here doth, which signifies, without form, Ans. and empty; the solution is easy: for the Prophet speaks not of th• beginning of the creation, but of Gods purpose: by which he ordained the earth for mens use and abode. The Prophet then contradicts not Moses at all, seeing he hath respect to the use and end.
If any shall obiect Obiect. on the contrary, that the earth was without forme, and void euen after it was created, as it appeares in Genes. 1.2. where Moses vseth the same word Tohu, that the Prophet heere doth, which signifies, without forme, Ans. and emptie; the solution is easie: for the Prophet speakes not of th• beginning of the creatiō, but of Gods purpose: by which hee ordained the earth for mens vse and abode. The Prophet then contradicts not Moses at all, seeing he hath respect to the vse and end.
As touching that which follows, to be inhabited: it extends it self to all mankind in general; to wit, the earth is ordained for all men to dwell upon. For whence comes it to pass that the Lord nourisheth us, provides all necessaries for us; yea and sustains the very wicked?1 Is it not that his decree might continue steadfast, because he hath appointed men to have their dwelling in it? Otherwise, it were impossible that he should endure so many vices & wickednesses to reign, and not utterly to destroy man from off the same: but he respects his own holy ordinance, and not our deserts. Here is the reason then why states and kingdoms continue so long in the middest of Barbarians and Infidels; The Lord vvill have the earth inhabited. And howsoever for the sins of men, the Lord oftentimes brings some Countries into desolation, and sows it as it were with salt, in regard they become barren, and are notable to sustain their inhabitants: yet, he ever so mitigates his stroke, that the earth is inhabited by some, because God will have his decree to stand inviolable.