Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

IT appears again from hence more clearly, how necessary this vision was for Isaiah, to the end he might not faint in his course even at the first push. For this was a great offence of mind unto him, that he must be fain to have experience of such an obstinacy and rebellion in the people of God; and not for a year or two, but even for more then sixty years together. It was necessary therefore that he should be well armed, and to becom• even as a wall of brass, that he might be enabled to stand against such a rebellion. The Lord plainly testifies to Isaiah then, that he shall have to deal with obstinate people, whom he shall do very little good upon; yet that he must not faint by taking offence at so strange a thing, neither be discouraged by such a stubbornness; but that he is to overcome all these temptations, and to pass beyond them with an invincible courage. For the Lord admonisheth him before hand touching that which should come to pass: and it is as if he should have said, Thou shalt teach, but without fruit, but yet cease thou not for all that to instruct still, because I command thee:¹ and though thou perceive no fruit, yet be not therefore weary: only obey me, and leave all the issue of thy labour unto my will. I forewarn thee touching these things betime, to the end thou shouldst not faint nor turn aside by reason of thy ill success, as though something unexpected were befallen thee. Add withal, that he is commanded to detect their blind obstinacy openly, as if of set purpose he should thunder out against them, and should say, I know it very well that I shall lose my labour, but I care not, it is enough for me that God approves of my actions, to whom my preaching shall be a sweet smelling savour, although it bring death unto you,