A17640:4273
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.
1This verse must be joined to the former. For in regard the Lord brought in the hypocrites complaining of the Prophets vehemency and sharpness in the first member: now in this second he yields a reason wherefore the Lord regarded not their fasts and other works: namely, because none of these things proceeded from a pure affection of the heart. Now he shows what their hearts were by the fruits: for he brings them to the commandments of the second table, whereby it is easy to discern what we are within.
1THis verse must be ioyned to the former. For in regard the Lord brought in the hypocrites complaining of ye Prophets vehemencie and sharpenesse in the first member: now in this second he yeelds a reason wherefore the Lord regarded not their fasts and other workes: namelie, because none of these things proceeded from a pure affection of the heart. Now he shewes what their hearts were by the fruites: for he brings them to the commandements of the second table, whereby it is easie to discerne what wee are within.
- 1The reason Why God regarded not the I•wes fasts.
The purity of the heart manifests it self in an upright conversing with our neighbours, and in abstaining from all fraud and violence. These are the lively representations of a pure affection: without which God rejects, yea abhors all external services. For where deceit, extortions and robberies have the full scope, it is most certain that there the fear of God hath no place at all. He reproacheth the hypocrites then that under colour of their fastings, they took the greater liberty to oppress their brethren, and to follow their lusts the more freely. We have experience of this every day: for many fast, not only to obtain pardon for their frauds, and thefts, and liberty to play the thieves the more freely; but also that during the time of their fasts, they may have the better leisure to cast over their reckonings, to read their bills and obligations, to count what gains are come in by their usury, Usury. and to devise ways how to entangle the goods of their debtors within their nets. And therefore for the most our hypocrites put off this business until Lent,