A17640:736
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. 16. For the leaders of the people cause them to err: and they that are led by them are devoured.
Vers. 16. For the leaders of the people cause them to erre: and they that are led by them are duoured.
Others translate, They which bless thee, or speak blessedly: as if he should say, There is no greater pestilence amongst people then flatteries, which nourish all licentiousness of dissolutions. But yet I will follow that reading which I have approved of before; where we met with the very same word: Chap. 3.12. Now his meaning is, that the governors and magistrates, whose office it was to lead and hold the people in good order, and in an honest course of life, gave liberty and licence to all to do what them listed, suffering them to follow vice and wickedness; and that in regard thereof, they were worthily esteemed seducers and corrupters: for the corruption flowed from them upon all the people, as from the head into the members.1 Magistrates and Pastors are chosen to repress the dissolutions of people; to ordain that which is good and right; and especially to maintain the honour of God. If they contemn these things, they are rather to be esteemed impostors then Pastors, because they bring in horrible confusion. And when every one governs as he lists without any order; what is to be expected but some woeful event? Whereas the people be so chastised for their offences, we must not therefore say, that the governors should look for less punishment: for they made none account of the charge which was committed unto them, and in so doing, were the cause of all those evils.
OThers translate, They which blesse thee, or speake blessedly: as if hee should say, There is no greater pestilēce amongst people then flatteries, which nourish al licentiousnes of dissolutions. But yet I will follow that reading which I haue approued of before; where wee met with the very same word: Chap. 3.12. Now his meaning is, that the gouernours and magistrates, whose office it was to leade and hold the people in good order, and in an honest course of life, gaue liberty and licence to all to doe what them listed, suffering them to follow vice and wickednesse; and that in regard thereof, they were worthily esteemed seducers and corrupters: for the corruption flowed from them vpon all the people, as from the head into the members.