Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

From this verse we may yet more clearly gather that which we have handled in the beginning of this Chapter, to wit, that the Prophet so speaks of the whole body of the Church, that he begins at the head thereof. And this, as I have said, ought to be well observed, for the expositors have baulked it, and yet without it we shall not be able to make these verses to cohere. S. Paul plainly shows this, in applying this very sentence to the whole Church, 2. Cor. 6.2. But yet that which follows, I vvill give thee for a covenant of the people, suits to none but Christ only. How shall we make these things agree then? To wit, if we shall consider that Christ is not so much his own as ours.¹ For he was not borne; neither died be, nor rose again for himself. He was sent for the salvation of his people. He seeks nothing at our hands: for he stands in need of nothing. Thus then, God makes his promises to the whole Church: and Christ, who is as it were the surety or pledge between both, receives these promises, and procures nothing to himself by them, but altogether for the Churches behoof, for whose salvation he was sent. He speaks not then of Christ, as singling him out by himself, but as of one that is joined and made one with his Church for ever. It is an inestimable favour then which the father shows us when he hears his son for our sakes: yea, that he directs his speech to his son whilst he is speaking of our salvation. For by this we may perceive how near the conjunction is between Christ and us.² He represents our person. He hath nothing which is not ours: and is heard of his Father in respect of us.

FRom this verse we may yet more clearely gather that which we haue handled in the beginning of this Chapter, to wit, that the Prophet so speakes of the whole body of the Church, that he begins at the head thereof. And this, as I haue said, ought to be well obserued, for the expositors haue bauked it, and yet without it we shall not be able to make these verses to cohere. S. Paul plainly shewes this, in applying this very sentence to the whole Church, 2. Cor. 6.2. But yet that which followes, I vvill giue thee for a couenant of the people, sutes to none but Christ only. How shal we make these things agree then? To wit, if we shall consider that Christ is not so much his owne as ours.