A17640:3396
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.
Which are borne of me from the womb.] This similitude, by which God compares himself to a mother that bears her child in her womb, is very fitting for his purpose. Now he speaks of the time past, in which he began to give unto his people testimonies of his grace: unless any had rather expound these words more strictly; to wit, that God hath in mercy advanced them, and borne them in his arms as a child borne of his mother: Psal. 22.9, 10. But because God began not only to be a nursing father to this people from their natural birth, but also begat them spiritually; it is not amiss to extend his speech even to that, to wit, that they issued as it were out of Gods womb, into newness of life, and to the hope of the eternal inheritance.
Which are borne of me from the vvombe.] This similitude, by which God compares himselfe to a mother that beares her child in her vvombe, is very fitting for his purpose. Now he speaks of the time past, in which hee began to giue vnto his people testimonies of his grace: vnlesse any had rather expound these wordes more strictly; to wit, that God hath in mercie aduanced them, and borne them in his armes as a child borne of his mother: Psal. 22.9, 10. But because God began not onely to bee a nurcing father to this people from their naturall birth, but also begat them spiritually; it is not amisse to extend his speech euen to that, to wit, that they issued as it were out of Gods wombe, into newnesse of life, and to the hope of the eternall inheritance.
If any object Object. that God is every where called a Father: Jer. 31.9. Mal. 1.6. and that this title properly belongs unto him: I answer, Ans. that Gods love is so incomprehensible unto his Church, that all the similitudes in the world are insufficient to express the same. For it is a thing that hath many branches, yea infinite and unmeasurable; so as if all the benefits that witness true friendship, were gathered into one, yet this affection, for the greatness of it, far exceeds all that can be thought or spoken of: