Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Now the Prophet shows how God visits in the middest of his Church; to wit, by being served and acknowledged as Judge, lawgiver, ²and King. For those who obey and submit themselves unto God, as to their King, shall effectually feel that he is the safe keeper of their salvation: but those that glory in this falsely, shall look for salvation from him in vain. Submit we our necks therefore only to his yoke. Let us hearken unto his voice, and obey him: then will he for his part manifestly show himself to be our defence and protection. But if we contemn his voice, and rebel against his Commandments; what marvel is it, if in dangers he leave and forsake us? The true Church then, as you may observe, is she who acknowledgeth God for her King and lawgiver. ³With what face then dare the Papists brag, that they are the Church of God, seeing they reject the lawful government established by Moses, the Prophets, and by Christ himself, to bring in their own devices and trumperies in stead of the same? They exercise a cruel tyranny over the consciences of poor men and women:⁴ and in taking that liberty away, which Christ hath purchased, they miserably vex the poor souls of his servants, and as much as in them lies, would draw them into perdition with themselves.