Vers. 13. For thornes, there shall grow firre trees: for nettles, shall grow the mirrhe tree; and it shall bee to the Lord for a name, and for an euer∣lasting signe that shall not bee taken a∣way.
AGaine hee extolles Gods power, which should appeare in the peoples deliue∣rance: for he teacheth that there shall be such a change, that the way shall bee made verie easie for their returne. Some expound this allegorically; and by thornes, vnderstand that such as indeuour to hurt and hinder others, should now become firre trees: that is to say, bearing fruit, and bringing profite to their neighbours: but this exposition is too curi∣ous. I denie not but these things indeed ap∣pertaine to Christs kingdome, and therefore ought to be spiritually vnderstood. For the [ 1] Prophet beginnes at the returne from Ba∣bylon, and comprehends the whole estate of [ 2] the Church, vntil the manifestation of Christ to the world. But it doth not therefore fol∣low that this allegorie is any thing to the purpose, because Isaiah speakes of the peoples returne into Iudea. For, that they might the better passe, the Lord promiseth to remoue all impediments out of the way, and would furnish them with all things necessarie, that so they might bee free from all annoian∣ces.
And so, when Christ promiseth the bene∣fit of our redemption, he therewithall takes away whatsoeuer thing might hurt or hinder the same: nay, he turnes it wholly the contra∣rie way, that out of euery euil we might draw some good: for all things turne to the best (as Paul saith) to them that loue God: Rom. 8.27. And thus God vseth the most hurtfull and dangerous euils, as remedies to purge the faith∣full, that they may not giue ouer themselues to the loue of the world, but may bee made the more liuely, and ready to performe the will of their Master.
When he addes that this shall be for a name to t•••• Lord; it is to shew the end of the Chur∣ches restitution; namely, that Gods name might bee the more praised among men, and that the memory thereof might florish, and bee conserued. And therefore hee addes, for a signe: that is to say, for a testimo∣nie, or for a perpetuall memoriall. Although the Church floate then▪ and bee diuer∣sly tossed among these waues and tempests, yet seeing the Lord is purposed that the me∣morie of his name shall last for euer, hee will both defend and maintaine her.