Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he expounds that more fully, which was said in the former verse; to wit, that the restoration of the Church should consist in rearing up those that were humbled, and in showing compassion to the poor. But first of all that purgation of the Church whereof we have spoken, was necessary: for as long as God defers to execute his judgements upon the wicked, that are mingled among the good; they bear all the sway in the Church, all things are corrupt and out of order, God is neither worshipped nor served as he ought, and religion it self is trodden under foot. When the wicked then are either taken away, or repressed, then the Church recovers her first beauty; and the faithful feeling themselves disburdened of so many miseries and calamities, do begin to leap for joy.

NOw he expounds that more fully, which was said in the former verse; to wit, that the restauration of the Church should consist in rearing vp those that were humbled, and in shewing compassion to the poore. But first of all that purgation of the Church whereof we haue spoken, was necessarie: for as long as God defers to execute his iudgements vpon the wicked, that are mingled among the good; they beare all the sway in the Church, all things are corrupt and out of order, God is neither worshipped nor serued as hee ought, and religion it selfe is trodden vnder foote. When the wicked then are either taken away, or repressed, then the Church recouers her first beauty; and the faithfull feeling themselues disburthened of so manie miseries and calamities, doe begin to leape for ioy.