Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE promiseth a secure and quiet conscience unto the true servants of God; because the Lord will easily appease all terrors, in keeping them under the shadow of his wings. Now he alludes to the word Sanctify, which he used heretofore: for the word which signifies Sanctuary, Tower, or fortress, is derived of that which signifies, to sanctify. He means to affirm then, that God asks nothing whereof he offereth not a like mutual recompense. For whosoever they are that do sanctify him in their hearts; shall also prove by experience, that he is a most certain Sanctuary, and haven of safety for them. But howsoever there be some correspondency between God and us in this sanctification; yet notwithstanding it is in a divers §1respect; because we are said to sanctify him, when we attribute unto him all praise and §2glory, and depend altogether upon him: but he on his part is said to sanctify us, when he delivers and keeps us in all dangers. Now because very few are found who obey him, resting themselves wholly upon his promises, the Prophet meant to arm the faithful against all such temptations. For they were in danger to be carried away by such and so wicked examples as by a kind of whirlwind. Behold now the Prophets meaning; as if he should say; The Lord will be a most safe and faithful guardian unto you: and howsoever others spurn against him, yet be not you afraid; but continue you constant in your places.

HE promiseth a secure and quiet conscience vnto the true seruants of God; because the Lord will easily appease all terrors, in keeping them vnder the shadow of his wings. Now he alludes to the word Sanctifie, which hee vsed heretofore: for the word which signifies Sanctuarie, Tower, or fortresse, is deriued of that which signifies, to sanctifie. He meanes to affirme then, that God askes nothing whereof he offereth not a like mutuall recompence. For whosoeuer they are that doe sanctifie him in their hearts; shall also proue by experience, that he is a most certaine Sanctuarie, and hauen of safetie for them. But howsoeuer there bee some correspondencie betweene God and vs in this sanctification; yet notwithstanding it is in a diuers §1respect; because wee are said to sanctifie him, when wee attribute vnto him all praise and §2glorie, and depend altogether vpon him: but he on his part is said to sanctifie vs, when hee deliuers and keepes vs in all dangers. Now because very few are found who obey him, resting themselues wholly vpon his promises, the Prophet meant to arme the faithfull against all such temptations. For they were in danger to be carried away by such and so wicked examples as by a kinde of whirlewinde. Behold now the Prophets meaning; as if he should say; The Lord will bee a most safe and faithfull gardian vnto you: and howsoeuer others spurne against him, yet be not you afraid; but continue you constant in your places.