Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE goes on still with his exhortation, showing us from what affection this praise ought to proceed; for he teacheth that it is our duty to publish the goodness of God in all places: and yet must we not exhort nor provoke others to go forward, and our selves in the mean time to stand still with our arms across, but we ought to lead them the way by our example: for there is nothing more absurd then to see them slothful and negligent, which provoke others to praise God. Now in saying that God hath done excellent things, he thereby signifies that there is great cause to sing. Neither in deed would the Lord have them to sing forth his praises upon no ground; but he gave them ample and very good cause thereof when he delivered his people out of that extreme hard bondage. Now we have already said that we must not restrain this song to one moment of time, but that it ought to be extended even unto the whole kingdom of Christ. This work therefore is excellent indeed when God sent his Son,¹ by whom he hath reconciled us unto himself, and hath destroyed the dominion of death and of the devil. If we then consider well of this work of our deliverance as we ought, we shall have exceeding abundant ⟨p. 142⟩matter given us to praise God. When he saith in the last, member, that this is known in all the world; he therein toucheth the calling of the Gentiles, and confirms that which hath been already said; to wit, that this work shall be such as it ought not to be concealed in some one corner; but to be published throughout the whole world.