Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE repeats that which he touched heretofore; to wit, that although the Babylonians rested securely in their abundance; that the day of the Lord notwithstanding is at hand, which will astonish these secure fellows. But yet it may be demanded, Quest. for what cause the day of the Lord is called cruel, seeing there is nothing more desirable, then to enjoy the presence of God: neither is there any thing indeed but this only, which makes us happy. I answer, Ans. we must always observe to whom the Prophet speaks. For the Prophets were accustomed to describe God in divers sorts, according to the diversity of the auditors: as David also testifies where he saith; that he is merciful and favourable to the good, severe and rigorous to the wicked: Psal. 18.16.27. For what can the wicked conceive in God, but an extreme severity? and therefore they tremble as soon as they hear him spoken of. But the faithful on the contrary, conceive and receive great joy and sweetness in such words; so as nothing can be propounded unto them more delectable. And therefore when the Prophets turn themselves to the faithful, they mingle joy and gladness therewithal in mentioning of God; because they only feel him gracious and merciful unto them: but if they speak to the unfaithful, the judgement of ⟨p. 147⟩God is no sooner propounded, but they add tears and sorrows. For even as the faithful rejoice at the presence of God, because they apprehend his goodness by faith: so also the wicked on the contrary are afraid, because their consciences reproves them, and finds them guilty in regard their severe Judge is at hand.