A17640:3971
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 prosecutes his argument under other figures,1 and promiseth that the Lord will not only restore his Church, but will also dignify her with a more excellent estate. Those who think that there is a comparison here between the Church and the Synagogue, are deceived, as I think. Neither do they ought else hereby, then confirm the Jews in their obstinacy, who perceive well enough that violence is offered to the sense of this text, by such an exposition. For mine own part, I do indeed confess that these things appertain to the kingdom of Christ, and that they were then only fulfilled, from the publishing of the Gospel. But it doth not therefore follow, that the Prophet should not also respect that time which went before Christs coming: for the accomplishment of this prophecy began under Cyrus, who gave the Gospel leave to return: then it extended it self to the coming of Christ, ⟨p. 561⟩in whom it received the full accomplishment. The Church then conceived, when the people returned home: for at that time the body of the people was gathered, of whom Christ should be borne; that so the pure worship of God, and his true religion might again be planted amongst them. I grant this fruitfulness did not then appear; for the conception was hid as it were within the mothers womb, which outwardly could not be any whit discerned. But after the people multiplied; and §1after the birth, they were at the first like a §2child: then they grew to mans estate, even till the publishing of the Gospel.2 Which time indeed, was the true infancy of the Church. Afterwards, she grew to woman's estate, and shall so continue even till Christs last coming,3 when all things shall be set in their perfect estate. We must therefore comprehend all these things together, if we will attain to the true meaning of the Prophets words. And in this sense it is that Zechariah, Malachi, and Haggai do encourage the people touching the hope of their estate to come, whilst they thought they lost so much time in reedifying the Temple: