Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE how in plainer terms, sets forth and shows as in lively colours, what that obstinacy & contempt of the word is, whereof he spake before: for the wicked not only scorn all instruction, but do also furiously resist it; yea, they wish it were utterly abolished and buried in everlasting forgetfulness. This is it which Isaiah meant to say; to wit, that they did not only turn their ears, eyes, and all their senses from holy doctrine, but could very well have found in their hearts that it had been utterly extinct and abolished: for the wicked are evermore pricked forward with such rage, that they would have no mention at all made of that which they cannot abide to hear of. For the power and efficacy of the word so galls and stings them, that they show themselves to be no better then furious wild beasts in rage and cruelty. Fain would they escape, but they are compelled in despite of them to hear God speak; yea and to tremble before his Majesty.

HE how in plainer termes, sets forth and shewes as in liuely colours, what that obstinacie & contempt of the word is, whereof hee spake before: for the wicked not onely scorne all instruction, but doe also furiously resist it; yea, they wish it were vtterly abolished and buried in euerlasting forgetfulnes. This is it which Isaiah meant to say; to wit, that they did not onely turne their eares, eyes, and all their senses from holy doctrine, but could very well haue found in their hearts that it had been vtterly extinct and abolished: for the wicked are euermore pricked forward with such rage, that they would haue no mention at all made of that which they cannot abide to heare of. For the power and officacie of the word so galles and stings them, that they shew themselues to be no better then furious wild beasts in rage and crueltie. Faine would they escape, but they are compelled in despite of them to heare God speake; yea and to tremble before his Maiestie.

Now it usually falls out that after this bitterness against the word, in the next place they fall to hate the Prophets that have bin §2the Ministers of it: and not only that, but to lay snares, and to vex them with persecutions, banishments, and oft times with death it self. By means whereof, they think utterly to root out & race from off the earth, both the doctrine, and Doctors also that teach it. For men had rather hear dreams and fables, then to be faithfully taught.