A17641:252
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.
Biblical commentary book of Daniel › Chapter 4 › Part › Meditation
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.
And where it is added: That the birds of heaven dwelt in the branches, and the beasts did feed of the fruit thereof, this must be referred unto men. For although the beasts of the field have some commodity by politic government, yet we know that God did appoint it for mans sake. He saith then that the beasts of the field were shadowed under it, because we are defended under the shadow and defence of the Magistrates: for else there is no such burning ⟨image 56⟩heat of the Sun that can so broil or scorch miserable men, as if they were spoiled of this shield and shadow under the which God would have them to find rest.
And where it is added: That the byrdes of heauen dwelt in the braunches, and the beastes dyd feede of the fruite therof, this must be referred vnto men. For although ye beastes of the fielde haue some commoditie by politicke gouernement, yet we know that God did appoynt it for mans sake. He sayth then that the beastes of the fielde were shadowed vnder it, because we are defended vnder the shadow and defence of the Magistrates: for els there is no such burning ⟨image 56⟩heate of the Sunne that can so broyle or scorch miserable men, as if they were spoyled of thys shield and shadow vnder the which God would haue them to finde rest.
Also the fowls of heaven make their nests in the boughs. Some do make a difference betwixt the birds and the beasts over subtly, but I am content to learn thus much by the Prophet, that men of all states and condition, do feel and perceive no small utility by the protection of Princes. For if they were destitute of this aid and comfort, it were better for them to live amongst wild beasts, then one to kill an other. And this should be of necessity, if we consider how great a pride is engendered in us all, and how blind love every one of us have towards our selves, and how raging our lusts are. Seeing it is so then, God declareth by this dream, that of what state so ever we are, yet stand we in need of the help of the Magistrates. And by meat & feeding and by the shadow of the tree, he doth signify the manifold commodities which come unto us by politic order. Some man might object, that he needeth not the Magistrate in this or in that point: but if we try all the necessities of our life, we shall find that this benefit of God is very necessary.