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. 4. Behold I gaue him for a wit∣nes to the people, for a Prince and a ma∣ster vnto the people.

NOw the Prophet explanes that yet bet∣ter which he briefly mentioned before touching Dauid, to wit, because the promise of the redeemer was made to him; and that this speech therefore was fitlie applied to his person, in regard he was the pledge of the couenant: for he was not placed in that of∣fice to performe his owne affaires, but was set there as the mediator betweene God and the people. Notwithstanding, it is certaine that Isaiah brings vs directly vnto Christ, to whom wee may easily descend from Dauid: as if he should say, this successor of Dauid shall come, by whose hand perfect saluation and felicitie is promised. And in calling him a vvitnes, he sig∣nifies that the couenant by him contracted shal be ratified & established in Christ. There is great weight in this word vvitnes then: for the Prophet shewes, that this couenant shall be approued in Christ, through whom Gods truth shall be manifested, because he shall te∣stifie that God is true.

But this testimonie consists in doctrine, for without it we should receiue but little profit by Christs comming, in which sense it is said in Psal. 2.7. I vvill preach the decree. And in the same sense Isaiah in Chap. 49.2. saith, that Christs mouth should be like a sword, or, an arrow. For this cause also he calles him a Leader, and a Master, that to him and to his doctrine audi∣ence might be giuen: for if we heare him not speake, nor with certaine affiance imbrace that which he saith vnto vs touching the good will of his Father, his power is abolished, For after this sort the name of Christ makes a great sound among the Papists: but seeing they will not receiue him for their Doctor and

Master, but onely acknowledge him in name, their brags which they make thereof, are but vaine and ridiculous.

These words, to the peoples, are added by way of amplification: for the Church could neither bee established in her first dignitie, nor get increases, but by the vocation of the Gentiles. It was therefore necessary that the voice of Christ should sound thorow all the quarters of the world, because he is ordained to be the vvitnes, conductor, and teacher of all mankind.

Notes

• Or, a Lea∣der.
• An explana∣tion of the former verse in this, and the verse following.
• Wee must descend from Dauid, to Christ.
• A witnes.
• A Leader.
• A Master.