Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he alludes to the second verse of this Chapter, where we saw the people of the Jews termed by these names and titles. He useth the verb To bring, because before this they should be led away as captives, so as it should be no more lawful for them to go up to the Temple, then for foreign nations. We must also note this word Rent: for his meaning is that the people shall be scattered, as if he should say, Howsoever you must be brought to a small number, and shall be but a poor remnant, yet shall this little portion that remains be offered unto God for a sacrifice.

Now he alludes to the second verse of this Chapter, where wee saw the people of the Iewes termed by these names and titles. He vseth the verb To bring, because before this they should be led away as captiues, so as it should be no more lawfull for them to goe vp to the Temple, then for forreine nations. We must also note this word Rent: for his meaning is that the people shall be scattered, as if hee should say, Howsoeuer you must bee brought to a small number, and shall be but a poore remnant, yet shall this little portion that remaines be offred vnto God for a sacrifice.

From hence we are to gather a most fruitful doctrine, and exceeding fit for our time¹ We see the Church at this day to be almost past recovery; for she is scattered, oppressed, overwhelmed, and trodden down on ever side. What ought we to do in the mids of so great distresses? We must lay fast hold upon these and the like promises; and assure our selves that howsoever the world go, yet God will defend and maintain his Church. And albeit she be as a body torn in pieces, and scattered here and there, yet will he easily gather her scattered members together again, by the work of his spirit: for he will never suffer the remembrance of his name, ⟨p. 186⟩nor the invocation thereof to perish. The Lord will so work, that of these pieces which lie now scattered here and there, there shall be a people made and gathered together. For it is easy with him to gather into one, those whom he knits together by the unity of his Spirit, although they be divided far asunder one from another. Although then that we see the Church diminished, and some of her members cut off; yet shall some gift be reserved out of her, to be presented and offered unto the Lord.