A17640:3679
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.
Whence we note, that a special and particular duty is here required of Princes,1 besides their ordinary profession of the Christian faith. Why so? Because the Lord hath clothed them with power and authority, to the end they should provide for the Churches good, and also procure the glory of God. I grant this duty belongs to every one, but by how much the greater power Princes are endued withal, the more careful should they be to employ their studies and pains about these things. That is the cause why David expressly names them, and exhorts them to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, and to kiss his Son, Psal. 2.10.11. Hence also we may discern of their folly and madness, who affirm that Kings can be no Christians unless they give over this office and dignity.2 For this was accomplished under the kingdom of Christ, when Kings being converted unto God by the preaching of the Gospel, came to this hie degree and dignity, which far surmount all sorts of rule and principalities, to wit, to be the nursing fathers, and defenders of the Church.
Whence we note, that a speciall and particular dutie is heere required of Princes,1 besides their ordinarie profession of the Christian faith. Why so? Because the Lord hath clothed them with power and authoritie, to the end they should prouide for the Churches good, and also procure the glorie of God. I grant this dutie belongs to euery one, but by how much the greater power Princes are indued withall, the more carefull should they be to imploy their studies and paines about these things. That is the cause why Dauid expresly names them, and exhorts them to be wise, to serue the Lord with feare, and to kisse his Sonne, Psal. 2.10.11. Hence also we may discerne of their follie and madnes, who affirme that Kings can be no Christians vnlesse they giue ouer this office and dignitie.2 For this was accomplished vnder the kingdome of Christ, when Kings being conuerted vnto God by the preaching of the Gospell, came to this hie degree and dignitie, which far surmount all sorts of rule and principalities, to wit, to be the nursing fathers, and defendors of the Church.