Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

A Man would marvel that the Prophet doth thus accuse the king of Babylon, as if he would be check-mate with God, seeing that (as we have said) such a thought ⟨p. 157⟩could not once enter into any mans heart, but that he must needs quake and tremble for fear. For even as there is in us some seed of religion by nature, so also are we constrained in despite of our teeth to bear some reverence to this divinity, which we think to be the most excellent above all things. And there is no man so senseless that would imagine to cast God out of his throne, because we are all taught by nature rather to honour and worship God. And therefore howsoever the heathens knew him not, yet notwithstanding they worshipped their Idols. Thus we may imagine, it was not likely that the king of Babylon meant to drive God our of heaven, and to reign there himself. Yet doth not the Prophet accuse him without cause: for although the ungodly resolve not to reign in Gods stead, yet notwithstanding they fight against him when they exalt themselves more then they ought; hereby attributing that to themselves which is proper unto him: which is as much in effect, as if they meant to pluck him out of his seat. And what did satan else when he deceived the first man? You (saith he) shall be as gods. Gen. 3.5. Therefore all such as dare attribute more to themselves then God permits, do lift up themselves no otherwise then if they meant to proclaim open war against him; for where pride gets the mastery,