Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now, howsoever this be restrained to the history of Cyrus, yet thence we may gather a general doctrine. For when God causeth such diversities of changes in the world, he thereby procures the salvation of his Church, and wonderfully conserves it, even in the middest of these tempests. We (for the most part) are as blind as beetles in viewing the works of God: but yet we must hold it for a sure principle, that he never forgets his Church,¹ no not then when a man would think heaven and earth would go together: nay then by secret means he brings forth her light as the noon day, that all in conclusion may indeed confess that himself is the protector and defender of the same.

Now, howsoeuer this be restrained to the historie of Cyrus, yet thence we may gather a generall doctrine. For when God causeth such diuersities of changes in the world, he therby procures the saluation of his Church, and wonderfullie conserues it, euen in the middest of these tempests. We (for the most part) are as blind as beetles in viewing the works of God: but yet wee must hold it for a sure principle, that he neuer forgets his Church,¹ no not then when a man would thinke heauen and earth would goe together: nay then by secret meanes he brings forth her light as the noone day, that all in conclusion may indeed confesse that himselfe is the protector and defender of the same.

1. 1A sure principle: God never forgets his Church.A sure principle: God neuer forgets his Church.

¹Josephus recites a memorable history of Alexander the Great, who having besieged Tyre, sent Ambassadors to Jerusalem to ask the tribute which the Jews payed to Darius. Jaddus the high Priest who had sworn to pay this tribute, would in no wise obey Alexander, but refused to pay it him: this tyrant scorning such a refusal, and in a manner being ready to burst with pride, determined the destruction of Jerusalem; and indeed having overcome Darius, he fits himself for the execution of his deliberation. The hie Priest Jaddus comes forth clothed with the Priestly robes, and with other Priests met Alexander. Alexander no sooner beheld them, but he alights from his horse, and fell down at the hie Priests feet in sign of reverence. As all stood amazed at this, as at a thing extraordinary, and clean contrary to his purpose, thinking he had bin besides himself; Alexander answered Parmenion,