Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.

This very etymologie agrees to the word §2Hell: for the valley of Hinnon was taken for hell it selfe, because of the execrable sacrilegies which were there committed. Now because we thinke the wicked shall escape scot-free, when we see them prosper and haue 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 foreordeined what punishments hee will inflict vpon the vngodly. For howsoeuer this decree be hidden from vs for a time; yet it is stable and vnmoueable. Let vs not thē iudge of the estate of the wicked by outward appearances, but let vs wait vpon our God, who will take them tardie ⟨p. 313⟩well enough in mischiefes which they plot, and that in his appointed houre. In ye meane while let vs not be ouer-hastie to thinke God hath forgotten to be iust, for he concluded that which he meant to do, and that long ere we had abilitie to thinke of it: neither can we possiblie be so swift in wishing the speedie cutting off of the wicked, but the Lord hath preuented our thoughts and desires long before, because he hath concluded in himselfe from the beginning what paines and tormēts he will lay vpon them.