Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

By the way of the judgements, he means adversities: for so this word is often taken in ⟨p. 250⟩§1the Scriptures. This is the mark then whereby true Christians are discerned from the false:¹ for whilst hypocrites enjoy all things at their desire, they bless God, and highly extol him; but in adversity, they murmur and blaspheme him; thereby plainly showing, that they never trusted in him at all; and therefore they serve God no longer then he §2serves their turns in all things. Contrariwise, when the faithful are exercised under divers crosses and calamities, they are provoked thereby to draw near unto God, and to trust in his help. The particle Also, therefore hath great weight in it; for it is as much as if the Prophet had said, The faithful serve God cheerfully, not only when he useth them gently, but even then also, when he deals roughly with them: neither faint they utterly, because they are sustained by hope. Wherein consists the true trial of sound godliness then? Truly in this, that we trust in God, not only when he fills us abundantly with his benefits,² but then also when he withdraws the light of his countenance; yea, when he afflicts us, and shows us nothing but the signs of his wrath and heavy displeasure.

By the way of the iudgements, he meanes aduersities: for so this word is often taken in ⟨p. 250⟩§1the Scriptures. This is the marke then whereby true Christians are discerned from the false:¹ for whilest hypocrits inioy all things at their desire, they blesse God, and highly extoll him; but in aduersitie, they murmure and blaspheme him; thereby plainely shewing, that they neuer trusted in him at all; and therefore they serue God no longer then he §2serues their turnes in al things. Contrariwise, when the faithfull are exercised vnder diuers crosses and calamities, they are prouoked thereby to draw neere vnto God, and to trust in his helpe. The particle Also, therefore hath great weight in it; for it is as much as if the Prophet had said, The faithfull serue God cheerfully, not onely when hee vseth them gently, but euen then also, when hee deales roughly with them: neither faint they vtterly, because they are sustained by hope. Wherein cōsists the true triall of sound godlines then? Truely in this, that we trust in God, not onely when hee filles vs abundantly with his benefits,