Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

When he commands them to lift up their eyes; it is to show, that the cause which moves us to faint, is, in that we do not so diligently observe the work of the Lord as we ought; but suffer out eyes to be covered as it were with a veil, by reason whereof, we cannot see three paces before us. Thence also it ⟨p. 523⟩comes, that we can hardly conceive any hope, but are ever and anon plunged into despair, when the least troubles arise.

When hee commands them to lift vp their eies; it is to shew, that the cause which moues vs to faint, is, in that we doe not so diligentlie obserue the work of the Lord as we ought; but suffer out eies to bee couered as it were with a vaile, by reason whereof, wee cannot see three paces before vs. Thence also it ⟨p. 523⟩comes, that we can hardly cōceiue any hope, but are euer and anon plunged into despaire, when the least troubles arise.

Now if this be said of the whole Church, let every man examine his own heart, Use to us. and see how subject he is to this vice; and let him ever stir up, yea awaken his spirits, to behold the works of the Lord, and to rest himself upon his promises with his whole heart.

Now if this bee said of the whole Church, let euery man examine his owne heart, Vse to vs. and see how subiect he is to this vice; and let him euer stirre vp, yea awaken his spirits, to behold the workes of the Lord, and to rest himselfe vpon his promises with his whole heart.

In that he saith, the children of the church shall be gathered; the meaning is, to be one body with Christ, and as one fold under one shepherd, we must be gathered into one lap of the Church. For Christ holds none other to be in the number of his sheep, but such as are joined into one body by the unity of one faith: