Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 19. We have been^* as they over whom thou never barest rule, and upon whom thy name was not called.

Vers. 19. Wee haue been^* as they ouer whom thou neuer barest rule, and vpon whom thy name was not called.

1. *Or, a long time.

The Prophets sense may admit two expositions. For some take this place as if the people objected unto God, that they were chosen when other nations were rejected, and that this covenant was ratified from the time of old. The other exposition, which I rather follow, is this; that the people complain and reply unto God, that there is no difference between them and the heathen; in regard they had no succour nor refreshing at all in their adversities: which they hold to be an absurd and an uncomely thing. This is a notable sentence, and very worthy of memory: for here we see it is lawful for us to pour out our complaints unto God, when afflictions press us above measure; and to set our calling before him, to move him to succour us; thereby testifying what great difference he makes between us and strangers.

THe Prophets sense may admit two expositions. For some take this place as if the people obiected vnto God, that they were chosen when other nations were reiected, and that this couenant was ratified from the time of old. The other exposition, which I rather follow, is this; that the people complaine and reply vnto God, that there is no difference betweene them and the heathen; in regard they had no succour nor refreshing at all in their aduersities: which they hold to be an absurd and an vncomely thing. This is a notable sentence, and very worthy of memorie: for heere wee see it is lawfull for vs to powre out our complaints vnto God, when afflictions presse vs aboue measure; and to set our calling before him, to mooue him to succour vs; thereby testifying what great difference hee makes betweene vs and strangers.