A17641:18
Commentaries of the divine John Calvin, upon the prophet Daniel, translated into English, especially…Commentaries of the diuine Iohn Caluine, vpon the prophet Daniell, translated into Englishe, especially…
Commentaries of the divine John Calvin, upon the prophet Daniel, translated into English, especially for the use of the family of the right honourable Earle of Huntingdon, to set forth as in a glass, how one may profitably read the Scriptures, by considering the text, meditating the sense thereof, and by prayerCommentaries of the diuine Iohn Caluine, vpon the prophet Daniell, translated into Englishe, especially for the vse of the family of the ryght honorable Earle of Huntingdon, to set forth as in a glasse, how one may profitably read the Scriptures, by consideryng the text, meditatyng the sense therof, and by prayer
London: printed by John Daye, 1570London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1570
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
The Kings that now reign in so great kingdoms (unless they willingly come under Christs dominion) shall ⟨image 5⟩feel in the end by doleful experience, that this horrible judgement doth also appertain unto them. For what is more intolerable then to rob him of his right and authority, by whose protection their dignity is preserved? yet do we see how few of that number do receive the Son of God offering him self unto them, yea how they busy them selves, how they seek all shifts and try all extremities, rather then they will suffer him to enter into their borders: and many of their Counsellors diligently apply their whole industry, endeavour, and study to shut up all passages. And yet in the mean season, that they pretend the name of Christianity, and do boast them selves the chief defenders of the Catholic faith, it may easily be confuted as a vain babbling, if it be once known what the kingdom of Christ is by a true and right definition. For the sceptre of his kingdom or his throne is nothing else but the doctrine of the Gospel, neither doth his Majesty shine any where else, neither doth he otherwise attain his empire, then where all, both high and low, with quite minds to learn like sheep, do hear his voice and follow whether so ever he calleth. But they do not only everywhere reject this doctrine, wherein true Religion and the lawful worship of God is contained, wherein the everlasting salvation of man and the true felicity consisteth, but they banish it and drive it far from them with menaces and terrors, with fire and with sword, and leave no force unattempted to drive it forth of their borders. And what a blindness is this and how monstrous, that they whom the only begotten Son of God doth call most lovingly unto him self, can not abide to receive him and to embrace him? But many (such is their pride) think their authority nothing if they submit their sceptres to the high King. Others will not suffer their lusts to be bridled: and as hypocrisy doth blind the wits of them all, they desire darkness and are afraid to be drawn forth into the light. Yet is there no more wicked pestilence than the fear which Herod had: as though he would take away earthly dominions from the Monarchs, which offereth the heavenly kingdom to every one of the least and poorest of the people.
The Kynges that now reigne in so great kyngdomes (vnles they willyngly come vnder Christes dominion) shall ⟨image 5⟩