Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 22. And ye shall pollute the covering of the images of silver, and the rich ornaments of thine images of gold, and cast them away as a menstruous cloth, and thou shalt say unto it, get thee hence.

Vers. 22. And yee shall pollute the couering of the images of siluer, and the rich ornaments of thine images of gold, and cast them away as a menstruous cloth, and thou shalt say vnto it, get thee hence.

Hence it appears, that this direction which God will give unto his Saints, shall not be in vain: for having abandoned their false worship, they shall give themselves to the true. And the Prophet plainly mentions their external profession of piety, when they shall make it appear unto all, that they have renounced idols, and all idolatry. For seeing images are instruments of idolatry and superstition;¹ therefore those who are truly converted unto God, must needs abhor and detest them: yea, and as much as in them is, profane and pollute them; as we read Jehu did, who profaned the Altars of Baal, and made a sakes of his Temple: 2. King. 10.27. Faithful Princes and Magistrates ought to follow his example, and such as have done the like, if they will give any true testimony of their sound conversion. I grant repentance hath his seat in the heart, and hath God for a witness of it; but we can discern it no way but by the fruits. And here under one kind, Isaiah comprehends all. For in general he toucheth one note of true repentance; to wit, when men make it appear, that they count all things contrary unto Gods true worship abominable.

HEnce it appeares, that this direction which God will giue vnto his Saints, shall not be in vaine: for hauing abandoned their false worship, they shall giue themselues to the true. And the Prophet plainly mentions their externall profession of pietie, when they shall make it appeare vnto all, that they haue renounced idols, and all idolatry. For seeing images are instruments of idolatrie and superstition;