Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet adds nothing different from the former doctrine, but in general pronounceth of all ceremonies,^” where there is not spiritual trueth joined but only a false pretence appeareth, that they are not only things unprofitable,^” but wicked. From hence we must observe, that we labour but in vain unless we worship God aright as it is meet, and himself prescribeth: For if trueth be it indeed which pleaseth God in all things, then much more doth he look for it in the worship which is done to his Majesty. Moreover our labour is not only lost (as hath been said heretofore) but the worship of God is hereby perverted, which is the greatest villainy that can be committed. Now all superstitions are so many corruptions of the pure worship of God: and therefore it follows that they are wicked and detestable. Superstition then is to be esteemed either by the thing it self, or by the affection of the heart from whence it proceeds. By the thing §1it self; when men dare bring in of their own heads, that which God hath not commanded. As all those things are which superstition (commonly called devotion) hath begotten. One will set up and Idol; another will build a chapel; the third will found yearly pensions to have Masses said daily for him; others, such like paltry stuff without end or measure. Now when men take upon them to be so malepert as to forge new services,