Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

By this we see what Church there is amongst the Papists, (a pompous and glorious one it is indeed in outward show); but where is this knowledge? Therefore can she not be stable; neither is she the Church of God. If the Lord then show us that favour, that the light of faith may shine truly amongst us, other ⟨p. 332⟩blessings no doubt shall easily flow unto us: and if it fall out we be shaken with divers storms, yet God will uphold us always with his hand. Now when he saith, thy times, he speaks to Hezekias, not as to a private person, but as to the head of the people, under whom also the whole body is comprehended.

By this wee see what Church there is amongst the Papists, (a pompous and glorious one it is indeed in outward shew); but where is this knowledge? Therfore cā she not be stable; neither is she the Church of God. If the Lord then shew vs that fauour, that the light of faith may shine truly amongst vs, other ⟨p. 332⟩blessings no doubt shall easily flow vnto vs: and if it fall out we be shaken with diuers stormes, yet God will vphold vs alwaies with his hand. Now when he saith, thy times, he speakes to Hezekias, not as to a priuat person, but as to the head of the people, vnder whom also the whole bodie is comprehended.

But seeing the kingdom of Hezekias was but a little shadow of Christ his kingdom as we have touched before, these things therefore ought to be referred unto Christ,¹ in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We are also to note these titles which are used to set forth the commendation of Gods word, and the doctrine of the Gospel: S. Paul also doth the like, Coloss. 1.9. when he saith, Teaching in all knowledge and wisdom: for by this praise, he extols the dignity of the Gospel. Whence we also gather, that where Jesus Christ is not truly known, there men are destitute of true wisdom, although they be expert in all other sciences, which without this are all but vanity.