A17640:528
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.
Therefore let us not marvel, if whilst we speak to those who brag of the name of God, it happens to us even as if we told a tale to deaf ears. True it is this is a sharp message that the Prophet should say he is sent of God to stop up their ears, to shut their eyes, and to make their hearts fat, because it seems these things are nothing agreeable to the nature of God, and that therefore they are contrary to his word. But we must not think it strange if God avenge himself upon the malice of the people by such an extreme blinding of them. In the mean while the Prophet hath showed heretofore that the cause of this blindness was in themselves. For in commanding them to hearken, he testifies, that there is a doctrine fit for their instruction, if they would show themselves teachable; and that the light is offered to enlighten & lead them, if so be they would open their eyes.
Therefore let vs not maruell, if whilest we speake to those who brag of the name of God, it happens to vs euen as if we told a tale to deafe eares. True it is this is a sharp message that the Prophet should say he is sent of God to stop vp their eares, to shut their eyes, and to make their hearts fat, because it seemes these things are nothing agreeable to the nature of God, and that therefore they are contrarie to his word. But we must not think it strange if God auenge himselfe vpon the malice of the people by such an extreme blinding of them. In the meane while the Prophet hath shewed heeretofore that the cause of this blindnes was in themselues. For in commanding them to hearken, he testifies, that there is a doctrine fit for their instruction, if they would shew themselues teachable; and that the light is offred to enlighten & leade them, if so be they would open their eyes.
All the fault then is imputed unto the people, because they rejected so wonderful a blessing of God. Whence the solution of the difficulty which we touched a little before, is more apparent. I grant it seems very hard at the first blush, that the Prophets should make the hearts of men more hard; seeing they bring the word of God in their mouth, by which as by a light men should lighten and order their paths,