Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE openly accuseth this people of the perversity of their nature; and not only in plain terms, but as one carried away in an admiration, he suddenly breaks off his speech, and turning himself to God he cries out; Wherefore then should I speak to this so desperate a people, whom thou hast justly forsaken? For in giving themselves to idolatries, they have most disloyally turned away from thy word. It may be also a prophecy of that calamity which should come upon them, which the Prophet foresaw by the Spirit: as if he should say, Wonder not to see the mount of Zion laid wast and spoiled for so many sins of the people. Yet is it not made such a lamentable spectacle that any should be brought to despair, but that all those in whom there is any hope of health, being touched with true repentance might convert unto God before such a thunderclap come upon them.

HE openly accuseth this people of the peruersitie of their nature; and not only in plaine termes, but as one carried away in an admiratiō, he suddenly breaks off his speech, and turning himselfe to God hee cries out; Wherfore then should I speake to this so desperate a people, whom thou hast iustly forsaken? For in giuing themselues to idolatries, they haue most disloyally turned away from thy word. It may be also a prophesie of yt calamitie which should come vpon them, which the Prophet foresaw by the Spirit: as if hee should say, Wonder not to see the mount of Zion laid wast and spoiled for so many sins of the people. Yet is it not made such a lamentable spectacle that any should bee brought to despaire, but that all those in whom there is any hope of health, being touched with true repentance might conuert vnto God before such a thunderclap come vpon them.

For the Prophets were as Heralds to publish the judgement and vengeance of God to the wicked, that so by all means they might endeavour, to bring all that they possibly could to repentance. And the servants of God must never put off this affection, namely, even to study how they may profit the very reprobate; if by any means it could be brought to pass. This place therefore may bring a marvellous consolation to all faithful Pastors: for when it seems to us that we speak to deaf cares, we stagger and begin to forsake all; What shall I do? I do nothing but beat the air. And yet notwithstanding, the Prophet ceaseth not, to exhort those in whom he saw no hope of amendment. An howsoever he be as a man astonished at their ruin, yet doth he not cease for all that to admonish them still. Let us note also, that although the wicked be obstinate, yet the judgements of God must be denounced against them; let them recoil, and gnaw the bit as much as they will, yet must they still be summoned before the judgement seat of God, to the end they may be left without excuse.