A17640:505
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. 5. Then I said, woe is me, for I am undone, because I am a man of polluted lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people ⟨p. 67⟩of polluted lips: for mine eyes have seen the King and Lord of hosts.
Vers. 5. Then I sayd, woe is me, for I am vndone, because I am a man of polluted lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people ⟨p. 67⟩of polluted lips: for mine eyes haue seene the King and Lord of hostes.
Now the Prophet tells in what manner he was effectually touched with this vision, to wit, that he was so terrified with the fear of Gods presence, that he thought himself undone. And he adds the reason wherefore he thought thus of himself: Because (saith he) I am of polluted lips. I wonder why S. Jerome hath turned it, Because I held my peace, seeing there is no ambiguity in the word. It is true that the verb Damah signifies to hold ones peace, but in this place there is a certain note of the verb passive which is added. It may also be translated thus, Woe unto me for I am brought into silence: because silence is often taken for death in the scripture, and it is said, that those which are buried are in silence. But seeing it is all one as touching the sense, I will not contend much about the translation. His meaning is then, that he was so terrified with the sight of God, that he became as a dead man. And indeed there is no cause why we should wonder at this; for man must be wholly brought to nothing in regard of his flesh, to the end he may be renewed according to God. Whence is it that men live, that is, that they think they live, being puffed up with the knowledge of their own reason and power, but because they are ignorant of God? And so before he reveal himself to us we think we are gods rather then men, but when the Lord appeareth, then we begin to feel and perceive what we are. From thence comes that true humility which consists in this, that men attribute nothing to themselves, but depend wholly upon God. Wherefore this and such like places upon this argument, ought to be diligently observed. Now it was an ordinary thing with the holy fathers to cry,