Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now in regard that the great ones are for the most part tainted with this vice, I think the Prophet meant specially to tax them: for they think themselves too too simple and dull witted, unless they can despise God, and reject his Law, believing no more thereof then that which likes their own humours. They dare not for shame reject Religion wholly, but are constrained whether they will or no to subject themselves to some one worship or other. But this they do only because they think it will bring them in some profit and commodity; but are never touched inwardly with any true fear of God at all.

Now in regard that the great ones are for the most part tainted with this vice, I thinke the Prophet meant speciallie to taxe them: for they thinke thēselues too too simple and dull witted, vnlesse they can despise God, and reiect his Law, beleeuing no more thereof then that which likes their owne humors. They dare not for shame reiect Religion whollie, but are constreined whether they will or no to subiect themselues to some one worship or other. But this they do only because they thinke it will bring them in some profit and commoditie; but are neuer touched inwardlie with any true feare of God at all.

This impiety discovers it self in too many in these times, but especially since the Gospel was revealed. We see how easily men might be brought to be at one with God under the Papacy, for had not the Pope forged such a god as would change his shape according to mens several dispositions? what man was there amongst them that had not a device by himself to purge his sins; and divers services wherewith to appease his god? wherefore it is no marvel if gross impieties appeared not then, seeing they were hidden under such coverings; but now they be removed and taken away, men have plainly showed what they were before.

This impietie discouers it selfe in too many in these times, but especiallie since the Gospell was reuealed. We see how easilie men might be brought to be at one with God vnder the Papacie, for had not the Pope forged such a god as would change his shape according to mens seuerall dispositions? what man was there amongst them that had not a deuice by himselfe to purge his sinnes; and diuers seruices wherewith to appease his god? wherefore it is no maruell if grosse impieties appeared not then, seeing they were hidden vnder such couerings; but now they be remoued and taken away, men haue plainely shewed what they were before.