Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

As often therefore as our sins do shut up the way against us from approaching unto God, that we might have part in his favour; ⟨p. 386⟩let this preface be present before us. For howsoever by our own default he be estranged from us, yet he is the father of Christ our head, in whom our salvation lies always hidden for us. To be short, God who a little before spake as a Judge, speaks now as a loving father, by looking upon the mediator Jesus Christ, who ever appeaseth his anger.

As often therefore as our sinnes do shut vp the way against vs from approching vnto God, that we might haue part in his fauor; ⟨p. 386⟩let this preface be present before vs. For howsoeuer by our own default he be estranged from vs, yet he is the father of Christ our head, in whom our saluation lies alwaies hidden for vs. To be short, God who a little before spake as a Iudge, speakes now as a louing father, by looking vpon the mediator Iesus Christ, who euer appeaseth his anger.

Having left him way for hope, he now tells him that his prayers were heard of God: which doubtless should be as a goad in our sides, to prick us forward to the duty of fervent prayer. For albeit God of himself be careful enough of our salvation, and hath evermore prevented us by his loving kindness, and that not only whilst we slept, but even before we were borne: notwithstanding when he signifies unto us that all the benefits he bestows upon us, are as the fruits of our prayers, our slothfulness is utterly inexcusable, if being so liberally invited to come unto God, we scorn to open our mouths to call upon his name. Yet we must not think that our prayers do therefore merit, because God accepts so favourably of them; but in giving that freely, which of favour he hath promised, he adds this declaration of his liberality, to the end he may the better exercise our faith. For it is no small privilege to have access into his presence at all times, & frankly to pour out our hearts before him, and familiarly to cast all our cares and anguishes into his bosom. Had not Hezekias prayed at all, yet the Lord no doubt would have taken order by some other means, that the government of the kingdom should still have continued in the stock of David: but that which he was bound to do in respect of his truth, is attributed unto Hezekias prayers, to the end he might acknowledge how great the fruit was he received from his faith, which he exercised in his prayers.