A17640:612
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. 7. Now therefore, behold the Lord bringeth upon them the waters of the river, mighty and great; even the King of Ashur with all his glory, and he shall come up upon all their Rivers, and go over all their banks.
Vers. 7. Now therefore, behold the Lord bringeth vpon them the waters of the riuer, mightie and great; euen the King of Ashur with all his glorie, and he shall come vp vpon all their Riuers, and goe ouer all their bankes.
HE speaks in the present tense, to the end all should lay it the nearer to heart. Behold, the Lord brings upon you violent waters. We must note the similitudes which the Prophet useth: for the speech is much more elegant, then if he had spoken barely and nakedly without them: and it is as if he had said, Because the people are not contented with their condition, but are ever lusting after the riches and wealth of another, I will ⟨p. 89⟩show them what it is to have a mighty King. As for example, if some few people subject to a poor and obscure Prince, having mighty neighbours that were subjects to a King of great renown should say, Oh, what a goodly thing were it to be the subjects of such a puissant King, to be under the government of the Emperor, or of the King of France, who have an invincible power! Should not God have just occasion to chastise such a wicked desire? For by how much the more mighty Kings are; so much the more do they oppress their people: they will be under no control, but will do whatsoever they list: add also, that they know not the measure of their power, but according to their strength they give themselves licence to do what them liketh. The Lord reproves this unbridled desire of the Jews, that in distrusting their own strength, they looked not to the Lord; but to the riches of mighty Kings. Now this reprehension hath much more grace under these figures, then if he had spoken without them.
HE speakes in the present tence, to the end all should lay it the neerer to heart. Behold, the Lord brings vpon you violent waters. We must note the similitudes which the Prophet vseth: for the speech is much more elegant, then if he had spoken barely and nakedly without them: and it is as if hee had said, Because the people are not contented with their condition, but are euer lusting after the riches and wealth of another, I will