Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹The Papists snatch up these words with great joy, as if by them the intercession of Saints were proved. But by the true exposition of the place, we may plainly see how easy a matter it is to answer them. For it is spoken of the Fathers, not as if they deserved ought at Gods hand of themselves, or were now intercessors between God and us; but because the free covenant, which not only appertained unto them, but also to all their successors, was contracted only with them.

¹The Papists snatch vp these words with great ioy, as if by them the intercession of Saints were proued. But by the true exposition of the place, we may plainly see how easie a matter it is to answer them. For it is spoken of the Fathers, not as if they deserued ought at Gods hand of themselues, or were now intercessors betweene God and vs; but because the free couenant, which not onely appertained vnto them, but also to all their successors, was contracted onely with them.

1. 1How Papists wrest these words, to prove their intercession to Saints.How Papists wrest these words, to proue their intercession to Saints.

To the Tribes.] That is to say; Return to thy wonted favour towards thy people. By this we see that the things aforesaid, tend to no other end, but only that the people do labour, thereby to provoke the Lord to mercy, after they have laid before him their miseries and calamities.¹ Here then we see the manner how we are to address our selves unto God; namely, by putting him in mind of his former benefits, and by manifesting in his sight our griefs and sorrows. Thus we must do if we would obtain deliverance.

To the Tribes.] That is to say; Returne to thy wonted fauour towards thy people. By this we see that the things aforesaid, tend to no other end, but onely that the people doe labour, thereby to prouoke the Lord to mercie, after they haue laid before him their miseries and calamities.