A17640:3588
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. 4. And I said; I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing: but my judgement is with the Lord, and my work with my God.
Vers. 4. And I said; I haue labored in vaine, I haue spent my strength in vaine and for nothing: but my iudgement is with the Lord, and my worke with my God.
The Prophet adds a grievous complaint here,1 in the name of the Church; yet so, as he begins at the head, as we have said before. Christ then with his members complains, that he hath in a manner utterly lost his labour: for after he hath greatly praised and commended the efficacy of that word which issueth out of his mouth, vers. 2. now he shows that it hath done little or no good notwithstanding: so as this glory which God requires to shine in the ministry of his word, appears very little. For Christ saith, he hath laboured in vain, because men will not repent,2 nor turn to God by the preaching of the heavenly doctrine. It was to great purpose that the Prophet added this. First, to teach us that this fruit whereof he spake, shall not always appear in the eyes of men; for otherwise we should be ready to call the truth of Gods word into question; and would also be brought to doubt, whether this doctrine, which is rejected of so many with such impudency, were the word of God or no. Secondly, that we might bend all our forces with invincible constancy to perform our duties, and to commend the success of all our labours unto the blessing of God, who will not suffer it to be fruitless in the end. And thus the Prophet meant to meet with a dangerous temptation, that by the rebellions of men, we should not faint in the middle of our course. And truly Christ so begins here with a complaint, that he yet comforts himself by and by, knowing that nothing shall be able to direct him from the performance of his charge. And the text would be somewhat plainer, if we read it thus: Although my travail be in vain, and that I have spent my self without fruit; yet it sufficeth that my work is approved of my God. Unto which appertains that which is added; but my judgement is before the Lord.