Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Because the doctrine before proposed by our Prophet hitherunto was hard to be believed, he labours by divers means to confirm the Jews that without wavering they might assuredly rest upon this promise of salvation: and should so far forth honour the Lord, as to stay upon his word. This word covenant is diligently to be noted. For thereby the Prophet sets forth the greatness and excellency of this promise. For the promises have a large extent, and may be compared to stones in the building; whereof the covenant is the foundation, that sustains and bears up the whole burden. Thus then he hath used this word covenant, that they should not esteem hereof, as of some common matter. And he adds this confirmation, to the end that howsoever this promise was not by and by accomplished; yet they should hope for the same, even above hope. And it may be, here is a close opposition, to cause the faithful with the greater alacrity to aspire to the new covenant which should be established in the hand of Christ.

BEcause the doctrine before proposed by our Prophet hitherunto was hard to bee beleeued, he labours by diuers meanes to confirme the Iewes that without wauering they might assuredly rest vpon this promise of saluation: and should so farre foorth honour the Lord, as to stay vpon his word. This word couenant is diligently to be noted. For thereby the Prophet sets forth the greatnes and excellencie of this promise. For the promises haue a large extent, and may bee compared to stones in the building; whereof the couenant is the foundation, that sustaines and beares vp the whole burthen. Thus then he hath vsed this word couenant, that they should not esteeme hereof, as of some common matter. And hee addes this confirmation, to the end that howsoeuer this promise was not by and by accomplished; yet they should hope for the same, euen aboue hope. And it may be, here is a close opposition, to cause the faithfull with the greater alacritie to aspire to the new couenant which should bee established in the hand of Christ.

Object. But that which he adds afterwards seems to bring but cold comfort with it, when he would have the Church to content her self with words, and the Spirit. Ans. As though forsooth there were some great happiness in hanging in suspense, touching the accomplishment of Gods promises. But howsoever the Prophet hereby recommends the excellency and worth of doctrine; yet notwithstanding I am well assured that it is not separated from his effect.