Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Moreover, this promise might have seemed ridiculous; because those which were banished and led into captivity, had no matter at all to rejoice of. Therefore after the destruction of the Temple and the City, and the overthrow of all estates, they might object, where are those gates which he commands us to open? or where are those people that should enter in at them? And yet notwithstanding,¹ we see these things came to pass; neither was there any thing foretold, which the Lord did not perform and accomplish. We ought therefore to set these ancient histories before our eyes, to arm our selves with the examples contained in them, and in the middest of this confused estate in which we now see the Church to be, to hope notwithstanding that the Lord will restore it.

Moreouer, this promise might haue seemed ridiculous; because those which were banished and led into captiuitie, had no matter at all to rejoyce of. Therefore after the destruction of the Temple and the Citie, and the ouerthrow of all estates, they might obiect, where are those gates which he commands vs to open? or where are those people that should enter in at them? And yet notwithstanding,¹ we see these things came to passe; neither was there any thing foretold, which the Lord did not performe and accomplish. Wee ought therefore to set these antient histories before our eyes, to arme our selues with the examples contained in them, and in the middest of this confused estate in which we now see the Church to be, to hope notwithstanding that the Lord will restore it.

1. 1God is always as good as his word, howsoever our passions boil within us. What course we are to take when the Church is in a confused state. Chap. 25.1.God is alwaies as good as his word, howsoeuer our passiōs boile within vs. What course we are to take when the Church is in a confused state. Chap. 25.1.