Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

At the least this word is added of set purpose, so as the Prophet thereby joins himself to the whole body of the Church: and thus he placeth himself in the number of those which being dead in the Lord, do notwithstanding wait for a resurrection apart. And in that he mentions himself in particular,¹ it is that he might give the more authority unto his doctrine. For he thereby shows that he spake from the heart, uttering and testifying by this his confession the fruit of his faith, according to that sentence, I believed, therefore did I speak, Psal. 116.10. 2. Cor. 4.13. otherwise the wicked and profane may well discourse in words of Gods mercy, and of life eternal, and yet in the mean while have no feeling at all of these things ⟨p. 258⟩in their heart. As did that false Prophet Balaam, who knew well enough that that which be spake was true; and yet for all that received no profit by his prophecies himself: Num. 23.19. and 24.5.

At the least this word is added of set purpose, so as the Prophet thereby ioines himselfe to the whole bodie of the Church: and thus he placeth himselfe in the number of those which being dead in the Lord, do notwithstanding wait for a resurrection apart. And in that he mentions himselfe in particular,¹ it is that he might giue the more authoritie vnto his doctrine. For he thereby shewes that he spake from the heart, vttering and testifying by this his confession the fruit of his faith, according to that sentence, I beleeued, therefore did I speake, Psal. 116.10. 2. Cor. 4.13. otherwise the wicked and prophane may well discourse in words of Gods mercie, and of life eternall, and yet in the meane while haue no feeling at all of these things