A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.

Vers. 6. The burthen of the beasts of the South in a land of trouble and an∣guish, from whence shall come the young and old Lion, the Viper, and fierie flying Serpent against them that shall beare their riches vpon the shoulders of the Coltes, and their treasures vpon the boun∣ches of the Camels, to a people that can∣not profit.

HAuing inueied against the consultations of the Iewes, in seeking helpe from the Egyptians, he now scornes them for the large expences, and great paines which they were at to bring this about: and therefore he de∣nounceth the same curse which he did in the beginning of the Chapter; because they foo∣lishly busied themselues much in trangres∣sing Gods commandement. He mentions the South, because they passed thorow the South Country, wherein Egypt was situated from Iudea. And in regard of the way thereunto, he calles the beasts, and speakes to them: the rather to shame men, who were become senslesse, and would heare no admonitions at all. He therefore shewes that the effect of this prophecie shall extend it selfe to the very brute beasts, seeing men did shut their eares against it. For seeing this people did proudly contemne these threatnings, the Prophet doth for good cause direct his speech to the Horses and Camels, who though they were destitute of reason, yet should they perceiue that God spake not in vaine.

Furthermore, the Prophet shewes that Egypt (vpon which this people thought to

build their perfect happinesse) should proue a land of trouble and affliction, euen to the ve∣rie beasts. The way was long and tedious, yet they spared no cost to satisfie their inordi∣nate lusts: yea they were so violently ouer∣swayed and caried away therewith, that no distance of place, nor length of way could possibly coole or abate the same.

Now Isaiah threatens them with a speciall iudgement, (besides the former incumbran∣ces) which should catch hold vpon them; to wit, that wild and cruell beasts, that is, the young and old Lion, should meete them. Which was no new nor extraordinary accident vnto them that trauelled betweene Iudea and Egypt. Therefore hee heere notes out some thing more rare and dangerous; to wit, that besides the sore trauaile, discommodities, and charges which they should be at, God in his iustice would meete them with such misfor∣tunes, that in the end they should miserably perish. This doctrine ought to be applied vn∣to vs, who are too much wedded to the verie same vice: for as soone as any shew of danger ariseth, wee by and by hasten to vnlawfull shifts, imagining that they shall doe vs good, albeit we know they be condemned of God. Is it not great reason then, that if wee will needes partake with this people in their sin, that wee also should share with them in their punishment, vnlesse we preuent the same by repressing our stubburnnesse and vnbeliefe by Gods word? We ought also to obserue and take heede of this folly, which caries vs away in such wise, that we care for no cost, nor re∣fuse any paines whatsoeuer, to satisfie and accomplish our ouer great fond and furious lust. Whilest we were captiues vnder the Pa∣pacie, we had too wofull experience hereof, trotting hither and thither,* 1.1 and made long and wearisome pilgrimages to diuers Saints, when as yet the most tedious iournies were easie and light vnto vs: but now when wee should yeeld obedience vnto God, and beare the light yoke of Christ, wee can indure no paines at all.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Men will take great paines to fulfill their owne lusts, but none at al in yeelding obedience to the Gospell.