Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

WE must always remember that the Prophet speaks nothing here that is proper to himself only,¹ but testifies what a one God will, and ever shall be towards the faithful Ministers, that so being assured of their lawful calling, and executing their offices faithfully, they might boldly contemn all adversary power, and never slack their duties an inch for any slanders. Why so? Because the Lord who justifies them, hath, and ever will be ready to maintain and defend his own truth. Now whosoever he be that will indeed boldly protest this, he ought to have a pure conscience. For if he have unadvisedly intruded himself, not having a sure testimony of his lawful calling:² or if he be such a one as broacheth his own dreams and fancies, in vain shall he boast of this promise, for it appertains to none but to such as being called of God, do faithfully and purely discharge their duties.

VVEE must alwaies remember that the Prophet speakes nothing heere that is proper to himselfe only,¹ but testifies what a one God will, and euer shall be towards the faithfull Ministers, that so being assured of their lawfull calling, and executing their offices faithfullie, they might boldly contemne all aduersarie power, and neuer slack their duties an inch for any slanders. Why so? Because the Lord who iustifies them, hath, and euer will be readie to maintaine and defend his owne truth. Now whosoeuer he be that will indeed boldly protest this, he ought to haue a pure conscience. For if he haue vnaduisedly intruded himselfe, not hauing a sure testimonie of his lawfull calling:² or if he be such a one as brocheth his owne dreames and fansies, in vaine shall he boast of this promise, for it appertaines to none but to such as being called of God, doe faithfullie and purely discharge their duties.

1. 1A Minister that hath a good conscience, may have also great boldness.A Minister that hath a good conscience, may haue also great boldnes.