Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The argument of this Chapter differs from the former. For the Prophets purpose is to set forth the estate of the children of Israel as it then was: to the end every one might take knowledge of his faults, and that by this means, shame and displeasure in themselves for their sins might provoke them to come to true and earnest repentance: as also that hereby they might behold their miserable condition as in a glass. For otherwise they would have flattered them •elues too much in their vices, and would not have borne any admonitions at all. It was needful therefore that their brutishness should be painted out before them as in lively colours. But to the end he might procure himself the greater authority he useth this preface: for they were wont to write excellent and memorable things in verse; to the end every one might have it in their mouth, that so there might remain a perpetual remembrance of them.¹ According as we see that song which Moses wrote, Deut. 32. and many others after him who did the like; that as well in public as in private, one might hear all things sounded forth by such voices. For the doctrine is thereby more highly advanced, then if it should be taught only. For this cause Isaiah composed this song, that so the people might take a more clear view of their filthiness. Neither is it to be doubted, but these things were handled excellently, both for art and voice, as the custom is, we know, to compose verse with the most exquisite skill that may be.

THe argument of this Chapter differs from the former. For the Prophets purpose is to set forth the estate of the children of Israel as it then was: to the ende euerie one might take knowledge of his faults, and that by this meanes, shame and displeasure in themselues for their sinnes might prouoke them to come to true and earnest repentance: as also that hereby they might behold their miserable condition as in a glasse. For otherwise they would haue flattered thē •elues too much in their vices, and would not haue borne any admonitions at all. It was needfull therefore that their brutishnes should bee painted out before them as in liuely colours. But to the end he might procure himselfe the greater authoritie he vseth this preface: for they were wont to write excellent and memorable things in verse; to the end euery one might haue it in their mouth, that so there might remaine a perpetuall remembrance of them.