Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Many read it in the vocative case; Look O Zion: but it is better to read it as I have translated it; Look upon Zion. The Prophet propounds a promise touching the restoration of the Church,¹ of which the faithful were to make special account: for if the Church shake or fall, where is their prosperity? But he shows that she shall be in such wise restored, that he sets the thing even before their eyes; ²whereas indeed he speaks of a thing to come. And this he doth that his words might be the more effectual. As if he should say; Thou shalt see Zion restored, and Jerusalem flourishing yet once again. And albeit you now see all things confused and on an uproar, so as you think Zion is laid in the dust, yet even in Zion shall you have a safe and quiet dwelling place.

MAny read it in the vocatiue case; Looke O Zion: but it is better to reade it as I haue translated it; Looke vpon Zion. The Prophet propounds a promise touching ye restauratiō of ye Church,¹ of which ye faithful were to make speciall account: for if the Church shake or fall, where is their prosperitie? But he shewes that she shall be in such wise restored, that he sets the thing euen before their eyes; ²whereas indeed he speakes of a thing to come. And this he doth that his words might be ye more effectuall. As if he should say; Thou shalt see Zion restored, and Ierusalem florishing yet once againe. And albeit you now see all things confused and on an vproare, so as you thinke Zion is laid in the dust, yet euen in Zion shall you haue a safe and quiet dwelling place.

1. 1A promise touching the restoration of the churchA promise touching the restauration of the church
2. 2The Prophets are wont to speak of things to come, as if they were already accomplished.The Prophets are wont to speake of things to come, as if they were already accomplished.