A17641:237
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.
5 Till at the last Daniel came before me, whose name was Beltsazar, according to the name of my God, which hath the spirit of the holy Gods in him, and before him I told the dream, saying: §96 O Beltsazar chief of the enchanters, because I know that the spirit of the holy Gods is in thee, and no secrete troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
5 Till at the last Daniel came before me, whose name was Beltsazar, according to the name of my God, which hath the spirite of the holy Gods in him, and before him I told the dreame, saying: §96 O Beltsazar chief of the enchaunters, because I know that the spirite of the holy Gods is in thee, and no secrete troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dreame that I haue sene, and the interpretation therof.
Here doth the king of Babylon speak gently unto Daniel, because he perceiveth him self destitute of his own Doctors. And hereby we perceive that he never came to the true God, but when he was compelled by necessity. Daniel was not unknown unto him, neither was he far away, for he was in his palace. Seeing then that the king might have had Daniel when he would, why did he leave Daniel out and called the other Mages so solemnly? Wherefore it is plain (as I have said) that he never gave glory unto God, but when he was driven thereunto by great necessity. Therefore he did never submit him self unto the God of Israel of his own accord willingly: and it is plain that they are but sudden motions when soever he showeth any sign of holiness. When he entreateth Daniel so humbly, we see his servile nature. Like as all proud men when they need not the help of others, they are so puffed up that no man can bear their pride and insolency: but when they are brought to extremity, they would rather lick the dust of a mans feet, than want the favour that might help them. Such was the nature of this king: for he would gladly have despised Daniel, as he had already counted him inferior to the Mages: but when he seeth him self remain in his troubles, and that he could have no remedy but by Daniel,