A17642:790
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latin into English for the great profit of our country-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in divinityThe commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latine into English for the great profite of our countrie-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in diuinitie
Londini: printed by Thomas Dawson, 1585
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.
They found a certain false Prophet. Seeing that religion was quite corrupt among the Jews, it is no marvel if they fell away unto many wicked superstitions. And for as much as they had hitherto professed that they worshipped a certain peculiar god, this was a fair colour to deceive withal, seeing that they might pretend the name of the unknown God, at their pleasure: but this is a wonder how it was possible for E•imas with his juggling to cousin a grave and wise man. For we know that the Jews were at that time hated of all the world: and especially of the Romans, and with hatred was coupled extreme contempt of them.
They found a certaine false Prophet. Seing that religion was quite cor•upt among the Iewes, it is no maruel if they fell away vnto many wic•ed superstitions. And for as much as they had hitherto professed that they worshipped a certain peculiar god, this was a fair colour to deceiue withall, seeing that they might pretend the name of the vnknowne God, at their pleasure: but this is a wonder how it was possible for E•imas with his iuggling to cosin a graue and wise man. For we know that the Iewes were at that time hated of all the world: and especiallie of the Romans, and with hatred was coupled extreame contempt of them.
Now Luke doth not without cause expressly commend Sergius his wisdom, least any man should think that his foolishness and lightness was subject to the seducings of the Sorcerer. His meaning was in deed to show in a clear mirror, how frivolous and vain mans wisdom is, which cannot beware of such gross subtlety of Satan. And assuredly where the trueth of God doeth not appear, the more men seem to be wise, the more filthily foolish are they. We see what filthy monsters of superstitions did reign amongst the most witty Gentiles, and such as were furnished with all manner learning. Therefore there is neither judgement not wisdom save only from the Spirit of God. And this is the just vengeance of God upon all idolaters, ⟨p. 296⟩