Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

No doubt but the Prophet got great hatred of all hands by this prophecy, in regard he was not afraid to bring them thus upon the open stage, not only to shame them among those that then lived, but among the posterity also, and that from generation to generation. For what can men less endure, then to have their wickednesses published, or that the same should stand as it were upon record in the minds of men? oh! they can not abide that; they detest and abhor it, accounting it a most unworthy fact. Yet the Prophet notwithstanding was to go through with it, and to yield obedience unto God, albeit he thereby got the hatred of men,¹ yea and it may be put his life also in danger: which constancy of his we are carefully to observe, in regard that he nothing feared the fear of men when the question was of his obedience to his God, and the discharge of his duty. Then he contemned hatreds, envy, hurly burlies, threats, false alarums, and all dangers, that so he might the more freely and boldly perform that charge which was imposed upon him. In which respect it is our parts to follow and imitate his worthy example if we mean to give ear and to follow Gods call.

No doubt but the Prophet got great hatred of all hands by this prophesie, in regard he was not afraid to bring them thus vpon the open stage, not only to shame them among those that then liued, but among the posteritie also, and that from generation to generation. For what can men lesse indure, then to haue their wickednesses published, or that the same should stand as it were vpon record in the minds of men? oh! they can not abide that; they detest and abhorre it, accounting it a most vnworthie fact. Yet the Prophet notwithstanding was to goe thorow with it, and to yeeld obedience vnto God, albeit he thereby got the hatred of men,¹ yea and it may be put his life also in danger: which constancie of his we are carefullie to obserue, in regard that he nothing feared the feare of men when the question was of his obedience to his God, and the discharge of his dutie. Then he contemned hatreds, enuie, hurlie burlies, threats, false alarums, and all dangers, that so he might the more freely and boldly performe that charge which was imposed vpon him. In which respect it is our parts to follow and imitate his worthie example if we meane to giue eare and to follow Gods call.