Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But in the mean while the Prophet shows that neither his force nor fraud shall be able to let the Lord from destroying both him and his kingdom. Furthermore, it is not to be doubted but as he here speaks of Satan himself, so likewise of all his imps¹ and instruments by whom he governs his kingdom, and molests the Church of God. Let it be granted that this kingdom be furnished with infinite policies, and also with an invincible power, yet shall the Lord easily bring them all to nought.

But in the meane while the Prophet shewes that neither his force nor fraude shall be able to let the Lord from destroying both him and his kingdome. Furthermore, it is not to be doubted but as he here speakes of Satan himselfe, so likewise of all his imps¹ and instruments by whom he gouerns his kingdome, and molests the Church of God. Let it be granted that this kingdome be furnished with infinite policies, and also with an inuincible power, yet shall the Lord easily bring them all to nought.

1. 1Satans imps.

Which that we may the better conceive, the Prophet opposeth against them the mighty and sharp sword of the Lord, by which it will be no mastery for him to slay his enemy how strong or subtle soever he be. We are ⟨p. 261⟩to make account then that we shall ever have to deal against Satan,¹ who like a roaring Lion seeks about whom he may devour: and the world on the other side being like a Sea in which we are floating up and down, wherein every moment divers monsters assail us, endeavouring to sink our ship, and to cast us away: neither is there any force left us, by which we may resist them, unless the Lord be our help. And therefore by this description the Prophet meant to set before us the dangerous estate in which we stand; seeing we have (on every side) so many strong and furious enemies, being also full of fraud. In regard whereof, we should be put to our shifts, and utterly undone, if God prevented them not by opposing his invincible power against them for our defence.