Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹IN regard that this sorrowful exile approached near, which should in a manner utterly extinguish the name of this people, it was needful for the faithful to be confirmed and heartened with many words, that in sure and steadfast confidence, they might be supported with these promises, under the heavy burden of the Cross. In this verse the Prophet discharging that office which was committed unto him, plainly protests, that he vvill no §1way be idle in the performance of his duty; §2neither vvill he cease to speak, till he hath cheered up the hearts of the faithful in the hope of their salvation to come, that they might know and be persuaded that God would deliver his Church. For himself (good man) might be discouraged in beholding the peoples incredulity, and might be driven to forsake all, in regard he knew things would grow every day worse and worse. Add also, that he well foresaw this horrible vengeance to be at hand. But as one utterly neglecting all these incumbrances, he notwithstanding vows a constant perseverance in his course: to signify unto all, that neither the common calamity, nor yet the peoples diffidence, should be able to hinder God from the performance of his promises, when the appointed time thereof was come. Now it was needful that these things should be often repeated unto them, because the perversity of our mind is such, that we presently forget Gods promises.

¹IN regard that this sorrowfull exile approched neere, which should in a maner vtterly extinguish the name of this people, it was needefull for the faithfull to bee confirmed and hartened with many words, that in sure and stedfast confidence, they might bee supported with these promises, vnder the heauie burthen of the Crosse. In this verse the Prophet discharging that office which was committed vnto him, plainely protests, that hee vvill no §1vvay be idle in the performance of his dutie; §2neither vvill he cease to speake, till he hath cheered vp the hearts of the faithfull in the hope of their saluation to come, that they might know and bee perswaded that God would deliuer his Church. For himselfe (good man) might be discouraged in beholding the peoples incredulitie, and might be driuen to forsake all, in regard he knew things would grow euerie day worse and worse. Adde also, that he well foresaw this horrible vengeance to bee at hand. But as one vtterly neglecting all these incumbrances, hee notwithstanding vowes a constant perseuerance in his course: to signifie vnto all, that neither the common calamitie, nor yet the peoples diffidence, should be able to hinder God from the performance of his promises, when the appointed time thereof was come. Now it was needfull that these things should be often repeated vnto them, because the peruersitie of our minde is such, that we presently forget Gods promises.