Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Hence it appeareth then sufficiently wherefore the Lord upbraids them with the killing of oxen, and butchering of sheep: for this is not evil in it self, neither doth it displease God: but because fasting is a solemn part of repentance which we show before men; it is therefore a sign of obstinacy and contempt of God, to kill beasts, and to make great merriments when we ought rather to fast. Thus do men despise Gods threatenings, and flatter themselves in their vices: and this is the sum of Isaiah's speech.

Hence it appeareth then sufficiently wherefore the Lord vpbraides them with the killing of oxen, and butchering of sheepe: for this is not euill in it selfe, neither doth it displease God: but because fasting is a solemne part of repentance which wee shew before men; it is therefore a signe of obstinacie and contempt of God, to kill beasts, and to make great merriments when we ought rather to fast. Thus do men despise Gods threatnings, and flatter themselues in their vices: and this is the sum of Isaiahs speech.

But the Papists are worthily reputed ridiculous,¹ who think this place warrants abstinence from flesh. Why did they not aswell forbid wine also, seeing the Prophet speaks of that too? But they are so far from abstaining from wine,² that contrariwise they easily permit men for want of flesh, to recompense the same with taking in of their liquor. But let these toys pass. For Isaiah condemns neither the use of flesh nor wine simply, but the ⟨p. 216⟩abuse; the dissolution and pride also whereby men so harden themselves, that with an obstinate heart they reject all Gods threatenings, and judge whatsoever the Prophets say to be but fables.

But the Papists are worthily reputed ridiculous,¹