Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But it behoves us always to set this example of good King Hezekias before our eyes,¹ who after he had wholly bent himself to reform religion, and to set up the pure worship of God, was yet sharply assailed with afflictions, so far forth, as he was not far off from despair; to the end, that when we shall think we have done much, we be still ready notwithstanding to sustain all sorts of combats and persecutions. Neither to be out of heart, if at the first our enemies be too hard for us; in such wise, that we look every moment to be swallowed up alive of them. For these great crackers, and haughty spirits, will easily be taken down, after they have cast up their first bubbles: yea, after they have spit forth their venom, all their pride will quickly vanish and come to nought.

But it behoues vs alwaies to set this example of good King Hezekias before our eies,¹ who after he had wholly bent himselfe to reforme religion, and to set vp the pure worship of God, was yet sharply assailed with afflictions, so far forth, as he was not far off from despaire; to the end, that when we shall think we haue done much, wee be still ready notwithstanding to sustaine all sorts of combates and persecutions. Neither to be out of heart, if at the first our enemies be too hard for vs; in such wise, that we looke euerie moment to bee swallowed vp aliue of them. For these great crackers, and haughtie sp rits, will easilie bee taken downe, after they haue cast vp their first bubbles: yea, after they haue spit forth their venom, all their pride will quickly vanish and come to nought.

1. 1Note.

Rabshekeh magnifies the greatness and power of his King, to affright the heart of King Hezekias, see I pray you what course the wicked sort takes with us: they assail us by threats, they labour to shake our faith and patience by many fears; or rather, Satan himself doth it indeed in their persons. For who sees him not speaking here in