A17641:303
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.
There is no doubt but that Daniel would exhort the king to repentance: howbeit he doth touch but one kind, as we do know that it is usual in the Prophets. For when they call the people home, they do not alway comprehend what repentance is, neither do they generally describe it, but they touch by a figure, either the outward declaration thereof, or some part of it, especially wherein men are most faulty. Daniel doth so now.
There is no doubt but that Daniel would exhort ye kyng to repentance: howbeit he doth touch but one kinde, as we do know that it is vsuall in the Prophetes. For when they call the people home, they do not alway comprehend what repentance is, neither do they generally describe it, but they touch by a figure, either the outward declaration therof, or some part of it, especially wherin men are most fauty. Daniel doth so now.
If thou do ask what is repentance: it is the turning again of man unto God, from whom he was departed. And is this conversion and returning only in the hands, and the feet, and the tongue? Nay, it rather beginneth in the hart, and then it goeth forth into outward works. True repentance then beginneth in the mind of man: to wit, that he which would be wise in his own conceit, should now renounce his own wisdom and forsake the foolish confidence in his own wit, and then that he should subdue his wicked and corrupt affections and submit them unto God: then shall follow the reformation of the life outwardly. Howbeit the works are but testimonies of repentance. For repentance (as I said) is a thing more pure and precious, ⟨p. 55⟩then that the root thereof can evidently be seen with mans eye. By the fruits therefore do we only testify our repentance. But because the works of the second table do, as it were open and declare mans mind what it is, therefore the Prophets often times when they require repentance, do only set forth the works of charity, as Daniel here doth.
If thou do aske what is repentance: it is the turnyng agayne of man vnto God, from whom he was departed. And is this conuersion and returnyng onely in the handes, and the feete, and the tounge? Nay, it rather begynneth in the hart, and then it goeth forth into outward workes. True repentaunce then beginneth in the minde of man: to wit, that he which would be wise in his owne conceit, should now renounce his owne wisedome and forsake the foolishe confidence in his own wyt, and then that he should subdue his wicked and corrupt affections and submit them vnto God: then shall folow the reformation of the life outwardly. Howbeit the workes are but testimonies of repentance. For repentaunce (as I sayd) is a thyng more pure and precious,