A commentary vpon the prophecie of Isaiah. By Mr. Iohn Caluin. Whereunto are added foure tables ... Translated out of French into English: by C.C.

Vers. 13. Reioice, O heauens, and be ioyfull, O earth: brast forth into praise, O mountaines; for God hath comforted his people, and will haue mercy vpon his afflicted.

THough hee exhorts and stirres vp all the faithfull to thanksgiuing: yet hee hath a speciall drift to confirme that promise, which otherwise in it selfe seemed doubtfull. For our consciences wauer, and are perplexed in affliction: so as it is an easie matter to settle them firmely vpon the truth of Gods promi∣ses. In a word, either men stagger, tremble, fall, or vtterly despaire. For if the least feare, distresse, or affliction doe but arise, much a∣doe there is to fasten any consolation vpon vs. For this cause we haue neede to haue our faith confirmed by all sorts of arguments. See the reason then why Isaiah speakes so glori∣ouslie of the benefite of this deliuerance; namely, to the end that the faithfull, who saw nothing round about them but ruine and death, might notwithstanding bee of good co••••ort, and in hope to wait for an happie change. Hee sets the deliuerance therefore before their eies, as if it were alreadie accomplished; that so they might haue all matter of ioy and reioi∣cing: though at that time there appeared nothing but cause of sorrowe and mour∣ning.

As oft as the Lord therefore promiseth a∣nie mercie, let vs euer bee mindfull to ioine praise and thanksgiuing thereunto, though we see not the accomplishment thereof: that

so wee may the better vvaken our drowzie spi∣rits: next, let vs lift vp our eies also to Gods power, by which he ouerrules all creatures both in heauen and in earth: for he no soo∣ner beckens with his finger, but they all stand vp together, as it is in Chap. 48.13. to fulfill his commandement. If the signes of his ad∣mirable power then do euery where appeere, shall wee thinke he will not make the same much more glorious and admirable in the saluation of his Church? Vnder this figure then Isaiah teacheth, that neither the heauens, nor the earth can yeeld a more acceptable ser∣uice vnto God, then when they ioine and combine themselues together to aide the Church.

Moreouer, that the faithfull should not sinke vnder the weight of the calamitie, be∣fore he promiseth that God will comfort them, he exhorts them quietly to susteine their sor∣rowes. For by the word poore, he signifies that the Church in this world is subiect to many afflictions. Therefore that we may be fit to partake of Gods mercie, let vs learne vnder the crosse, and vnder many miseries, teares, and grones, to wait till we attaine vnto the possession of it.

Notes

• Or, poore.
• A thanksgi∣uing, in which is included a confirmation of the former promises.
• Praises must be ioined to the promises.