Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Object. IT seems that Hezekias doubts whether the Lord would hear or no: for the particle Ulai, is translated, if peradventure; and it is taken in this sense almost throughout the whole Scripture. Ans. But we must note that the faithful are accustomed to speak thus, though they be most assured that God will succour them. They are indeed somewhat perplexed, but it is only in regard of the difficulty, of the temptation wherewith they are pressed. Hezekias might well doubt, if we look upon the estate as it then presently stood: but having turned his eyes towards the word of God, he became more certain of Gods will, and then ceased to tremble any more. Now because it cannot be avoided, but the flesh will always fight against the spirit in the faithful, and so overcharge them, that they are fain still to drag the wing or to trail the leg after them, they sometimes fit their words according to the difficulty which presents it self before them. And in other places we may observe, that Gods servants have spoken on this manner, though the matter were out of doubt. For when Saint Peter exhorted Simon the Magician to repentance,¹ he adds; If peradventure the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee: but he therein counsels him not to tremble, or to pray in unbelief, because such a prayer had been in vain: but he sets before him the greatness of his sin, that he might quicken him up with the greater fervency to awaken at the last, that he might prove a true convert indeed. This word if then, is not put here in a doubtful sense, but signifies that which we usually speak, it may be, when we dare hope or promise something to our selves.

Obiect. IT seemes that Hezekias doubts whether the Lord would heare or no: for the particle Vlai, is translated, if peraduenture; and it is taken in this sense almost throrowout the whole Scripture. Ans. But we must note that the faithfull are accustomed to speake thus, though they bee most assured that God will succor them. They are indeed somewhat perplexed, but it is onely in regard of the difficultie, of the temptation wherewith they are pressed. Hezekias might well doubt, if we looke vpon the estate as it then presently stood: but hauing turned his eies towards the word of God, hee became more certaine of Gods will, and then ceased to tremble any more. Now because it cannot be auoided, but the flesh will alwaies fight against the spirit in the faithfull, and so ouercharge them, that they are faine still to drag ye wing or to traile the leg after them, they sometimes fit their words according to the difficultie which presents it selfe before them. And in other places we may obserue, that Gods seruants haue spoken on this manner, though the matter were out of doubt. For when Saint Peter exhorted Simon the Magician to repentance,