Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet shows again what difference there should be between Gods spiritual worship, such as it should be under the kingdom of Christ; and the carnal, which was under the Law. Every month in the new Moon they sacrificed; then there were Sabbaths, and other feasts, and solemn days appointed, which they carefully kept. But under the kingdom of Christ, there shall be a perpetual and continual solemnity. For there is no more any certain days assigned to sacrifice this or that in Jerusalem, vers. 19. But our feasts, offerings, and days of rejoicing, have a continual course from day to day. In the mean while, he alludes to the ancient custom of the sacrifices: and we have seen in many places heretofore, that these phrases of speech are very familiar with the Prophets. Thus then God would have us to offer him sacrifices in righteousness daily: not at set times only, nor such as were offered under the Law, or according to theirs among the Papists, who now fondly rest in their ceremonies, as if their sins were abolished by such baggage; where with a desperate shamelessness, they dare brag that they sacrifice Christ himself.¹ But of us God requires spiritual sacrifices: that is to say, that we honour and worship him with a pure and sincere worship.

THe Prophet shewes againe what difference there should bee betweene Gods spirituall worshippe, such as it should be vnder the kingdome of Christ; and the carnall, which was vnder the Law. Euery moneth in the new Moone they sacrificed; then there were Sabbaths, and other feasts, and solemne daies appointed, which they carefully kept. But vnder the kingdome of Christ, there shall be a perpetuall and continuall solemnitie. For there is no more any certaine daies assigned to sacrifice this or that in Ierusalem, vers. 19. But our feasts, offerings, and daies of reioicing, haue a continuall course from day to day. In the meane while, hee alludes to the ancient custome of the sacrifices: and we haue seene in many places heeretofore, that these phrases of speech are very familiar with the Prophets. Thus then God would haue vs to offer him sacrifices in righteousnesse daily: not at set times onely, nor such as were offered vnder the Law, or according to theirs among the Papists, who now fondly rest in their ceremonies, as if their sinnes were abolished by such baggage; where with a desperate shamelesnesse, they dare brag that they sarifice Christ himselfe.