Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now because the restoration of the people was a thing incredible to flesh and blood, it was needful that the minds of the faithful should be raised up far above the world, lest they should tie the grace of God to humane helps. We see the Prophet not only teacheth that God is the Creator of heaven and earth:¹ but whatsoever he recites touching his infinite power, it is applied to the matter in hand; which we also are to do at this day. When any adversity presseth us, our salvation seems to be hidden, Gods power is overshadowed, as if a cloud were come between us and it: we stand amazed, even as if we were utterly rejected and contemned of the Lord. Let us not think then that this description is some light matter: for if the persuasion of Gods power were well settled in our hearts,² we should never be so tossed up and down; neither should any calamity be able to trouble us.

Now because the restauration of the people was a thing incredible to flesh and blood, it was needfull that the minds of the faithfull should be raised vp farre aboue the world, lest they should tie the grace of God to humane helps. Wee see the Prophet not only teacheth that God is the Creator of heauen and earth:¹ but whatsoeuer he recites touching his infinite power, it is applied to the matter in hand; which we also are to doe at this day. When any aduersitie presseth vs, our saluation seemes to be hidden, Gods power is ouershadowed, as if a cloude were come betweene vs and it: we stand amazed, euen as if we were vtterlie reiected and contemned of the Lord. Let vs not thinke then that this description is some light matter: for if the perswasion of Gods power were well setled in our hearts,² we should neuer be so tossed vp and downe; neither should any calamitie be able to trouble vs.

1. 1The Prophet plays not the orator only in setting forth Gods power but applies it to the present occasion.The Prophet playes not the orator only in setting forth Gods power but applies it to the present occasion.