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The prophecy of Isaiah is not in the book of the twelve prophets, who
are called the minor from the brevity of their writings, as compared
with those who are called the greater prophets because they published
larger volumes. Isaiah belongs to the latter, yet I connect him with
the two above named, because he prophesied at the same time. Isaiah,
then, together with his rebukes of wickedness, precepts of
righteousness, and predictions of evil, also prophesied much more than
the rest about Christ and the Church, that is, about the King and
that city which he founded; so that some say he should be called an
evangelist rather than a prophet. But, in order to finish this work,
I quote only one out of many in this place. Speaking in the person of
the Father, he says, "Behold, my servant shall understand, and
shall be exalted and glorified very much. As many shall be astonished
at Thee." This is about Christ.
But let us now hear what follows about the Church. He says,
"Rejoice, O barren, thou that barest not; break forth and cry,
thou that didst not travail with child: for many more are the children
of the desolate than of her that has an husband." But these must
suffice; and some things in them ought to be expounded; yet I think
those parts sufficient which are so plain that even enemies must be
compelled against their will to understand them.
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