Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid: a fear is come upon the hypocrites: who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire: who among us shall dwell with the everlasting burning.

Vers. 14. The sinners in Zion are afraid: a feare is come vpon the hypocrits: who among vs shall dwell with the deuouring fire: who among vs shall dwell with the euerlasting burning.

But some might reply, Object. that there is no such great matter here to use so solemn a Preface, as to summon all the world to hearken, was it a thing of so great importance that the wicked should be affrighted? I answer, Ans. If all be well considered it will be found no small testimony of Gods power to awaken sinners out of their drowsiness, and to make them (will they nill they) feel that God is their Judge, but then especially, when they have covered their contempt of God under the mask of hypocrisy. For albeit it is a matter of great difficulty to awaken the profane ones, when their hearts are indurate: yet the obstinacy of hypocrites far exceeds theirs, who think God much beholding unto them. They are so bewitched then we see, that they contemn all threatenings, and scorn the judgements of God, and with their flouts & mocks they reject all the prophesies,¹ so as it is a miracle to overcome one of them who so obstinately resist. Think therefore that it is not without cause that our Prophet is so sharp in rebuking of them. For doubtless he galls the bastard Jews by mentioning Zion: who shrouding themselves under the shadow of the Temple, thought themselves secure in so inuinsible a fortress, that no harm could befall them. And truly, there are none more proud or haughty then they (as hath bin said) which glory so much in the name of God, and in the titles of the Church.

BVt some might replie, Obiect. that there is no such great matter here to vse so solemne a Preface, as to summon all the world to hearken, was it a thing of so great importance that the wicked should be affrighted? I answere, Ans. If all be well considered it will be found no small testimonie of Gods power to awaken sinners out of their drouzines, and to make them (will they nill they) feele that God is their Iudge, but then especiallie, when they haue couered their contempt of God vnder the maske of hypocrisie. For albeit it is a matter of great difficultie to awaken ye prophane ones, when their hearts are indurate: yet the obstinacie of hypocrits farre exceeds theirs, who thinke God much beholding vnto thē. They are so bewitched then we see, that they contemne all threatnings, and scorne the iudgements of God, and with their flouts & mocks they reiect all the prophesies,