A17641:492
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 6 › 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.
Now, the profession is after two sorts. For either we do testify plainly and openly that which is in our mind: or else so far as is necessary, we keep us in the worship of God, and give no sign of wicked & faithless dissimulation, as though we should cast away the care of religion. As concerning ⟨image 112⟩the first, it is not necessary always and at all times to profess our faith: but the second must alway be observed. For it shall never be lawful for us to dissemble or to feign any apostasy or falling from religion.
Now, the profession is after two sortes. For eyther we do testify playnely and openly that which is in our mynde: or els so farre as is necessary, we kéepe vs in the worship of God, and geue no signe of wicked & faithles dissimulation, as though we should cast away the care of religion. As concerning ⟨image 112⟩the first, it is not necessary alwayes and at al times to professe our fayth: but the second must alway be obserued. For it shall neuer be lawfull for vs to dissemble or to fayne any apostasy or falling from religion.
Wherefore Daniel although he did not call together the Chaldees with sound of trumpet so oft as he would pray, but made his prayers and supplications in the chamber as he was wont: yet did he not dissemble as though he had forgotten his religion, when he seeth that his faith is tried and that he is proved whether he will remain constantly therein or no. For he plainly expresseth, that he came home after that he did know that the decree was signed. Doubtless if he had been called unto that consultation, he would not there have holden his peace. But the residue of the nobles did craftily shut him forth that he could not be at it: and they thought that the remedy should be to late or none at all, like as he him self did think that he should dye. Wherefore if he had been called to the counsel by the king, he would there have done his duty and would boldly have treated upon it. But because the decree was now signed, and he could not admonish the king, he went into his house. This is to be noted that we may know that the kings counsellors can not be excused by any means, which of purpose absent them selves from consultations when they see that they can not speak their minds without some danger, and think that they have done enough towards God, so that they give no voice but keep silence. Howbeit this faint stomach can not be excused by any means. And Daniels example assuredly can not serve them: because (as we have said) he was shut out by the craft and malice of the nobles, that he could not come in place to admonish the king in time as he was wont.