Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹THIS is a notable place. For the Prophet shows what God requires of us, as soon as he manifests the signs of his favour, or promiseth to be reconciled unto us, to the end our peace may be assured. The thing he requires of us, is such a conversion as changeth both our judgements and affections: so as having forsaken the world, we forthwith aspire unto heaven: and therewithal he requires the fruits of repentance.

¹THIS is a notable place. For the Prophet shewes what God requires of vs, as soone as he manifests the signes of his fauour, or promiseth to bee recōciled vnto vs, to the end our peace may be assured. The thing he requires of vs, is such a conuersion as changeth both our iudgements and affections: so as hauing forsaken the world, wee forthwith aspire vnto heauen: and therewithall hee requires the fruits of repentance.

1. 1In the former-verses God hath manifested the signs of his favour towards us: now he shows what duties we owe to him,In the former-verses God hath manifested the signes of his fauour towards vs: now he shewes what duties wee owe to him,

Under the words judgement and justice, he comprehends all the duties of charity, which consists not only in abstaining from evil, but in doing good to our neighbours, according to our abilities. And this is the sum of the second table:¹ in the observation whereof, we give testimony of our piety, if there be any at all in us. The Prophets always bring us thither:² for by this means it will quickly appear what we are within: and the true integrity of the heart is thus discerned, from those outward ceremonies wherein hypocrites please themselves; as we have showed heretofore. Now he renders a reason, and forthwith shows the beginning from whence all must frame themselves to newness of life; namely, that in as much as Gods justice is at hand to be revealed to us, we in like manner ought to present him with ours.