Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

In the next place they confess they were justly chastised, because they had sinned. ¹I have heretofore showed, that there is nothing better for us in afflictions, then to remember Gods benefits: and not only those whereof we have had experience, but those also which are recorded in the Scriptures. For we can not be fenced with a buckler that is more thick nor large then it, against all kind of temptations.

In the next place they confesse they were iustly chastised, because they had sinned. ¹I haue heretofore shewed, that there is nothing better for vs in afflictions, then to remember Gods benefits: and not only those whereof we haue had experience, but those also which are recorded in the Scriptures. For we can not be fenced with a buckler that is more thick nor large then it, against all kind of temptations.

1. 1The best fence against afflictions.

Those who think these words, him that rejoiced, and did justly, should be read together, as if he should say, Thou diddest meet them which served thee willingly, and delighted in well doing; do ill expound this verse, as I think. I rather think that by the rejoicers those are understood who are joyful in prosperity, in regard the people were then in sorrow and heaviness. For there is a close opposition, thus, Thou wert wont in times past to meet our fathers, before they were pressed with any grief, and diddest glad them at thy coming: but now thou art far off, and sufferest us to languish with grief and discontentment. To this belongs that which is added, That they remembered God, because they enjoyed his present grace, and felt him both the author and upholder of their salvation. Thus by the ways of God, he understands all prosperity: be it that he was more near unto §1them by handling them tenderly, and cockering of them as his children: or in regard