Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he meditates on these things, the better to confirm himself in the assurance which he had in Gods providence, by which all things in heaven and in earth are ordered and disposed. And this foundation ought all the faithful first to lay, that so they lose not their labour in praying. The Kings prayer had not been of such force and efficacy, if he had only said, Incline thine ear O Lord, and hear, &c. or such like words: as when he keeps this principle first in his heart; that God hath care over all the works of his hands. For he persuades himself that God will take this cause into his own hands, and will not suffer the tyrant thus proudly to advance himself; but will rather speedily put him down, sith the government of the whole world belongs unto him. Also, seeing Sennacherib attributed that unto himself, which of right appertained unto God; that he could not escape unpunished.

Now hee meditates on these things, the better to confirme himselfe in the assurance which he had in Gods prouidence, by which all things in heauen and in earth are ordered and disposed. And this foundation ought all the faithfull first to lay, that so they lose not their labour in praying. The Kings praier had not been of such force and efficacie, if he had onely said, Incline thine eare O Lord, and heare, &c. or such like wordes: as when hee keepes this principle first in his heart; that God hath care ouer al the works of his hands. For he perswades himselfe that God will take this cause into his owne hands, and will not suffer the tyrant thus proudly to aduance himselfe; but will rather speedily put him downe, sith the gouernment of the whole world belongs vnto him. Also, seeing Sennacherib attributed that vnto himselfe, which of right appertained vnto God; that hee could not escape vnpunished.

Where he subjecteth all the kingdoms of the earth under Gods hand and power, he applies it unto his own particular use. In the mean while, such a title never agrees to any but to God only; because he rules over all Kingdoms. Notwithstanding he denies not but Kings, Princes, and Magistrates have their just titles; yet so, as themselves be subject unto God, & maintain his right & dominion: for it belongs only to God to be King of Kings, & Lord of Lords, as S. Paul saith.