Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

For mine own part, I am out of doubt that the Prophets meant to apply the name of this place, to those exquisite torments which the wicked endure;¹ to the end the faithful might shudder and shake at the only hearing of it: as also that every one might learn to have idolatry in the greater detestation.

For mine owne part, I am out of doubt that the Prophets meant to apply the name of this place, to those exquisite torments which the wicked indure;¹ to the end the faithfull might shudder and shake at the onely hearing of it: as also that euery one might learne to haue idolatrie in the greater detestation.

1. 1Let us learn to make good use of this doctrine.Let vs learne to make good vse of this doctrine.

This very etymology agrees to the word §2Hell: for the valley of Hinnon was taken for hell it self, because of the execrable sacrilegies which were there committed. Now because we think the wicked shall escape scot-free, when we see them prosper and have all things at their wish, the Prophet to take away this conceit, saith, that before yesterday, that is to say, from the foundations of the earth, the Lord hath foreordained what punishments he will inflict upon the ungodly. For howsoever this decree be hidden from us for a time; yet it is stable and unmoveable. Let us not then judge of the estate of the wicked by outward appearances, but let us wait upon our God, who will take them tardy ⟨p. 313⟩well enough in mischiefs which they plot, and that in his appointed hour. In the mean while let us not be over-hasty to think God hath forgotten to be just, for he concluded that which he meant to do, and that long ere we had ability to think of it: neither can we possibly be so swift in wishing the speedy cutting off of the wicked, but the Lord hath prevented our thoughts and desires long before, because he hath concluded in himself from the beginning what pains and torments he will lay upon them.