Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

By this mark we may discern superstition from that true religion,¹ which is directed by a rule that is neither doubtful nor deceivable. The idolaters vaunt themselves but too much in their errors, yet all their pride proceeds from folly, sottishness, and frenzy. For if they would consider of the heavenly doctrine, with calm and quiet minds, all this overweening by which they darken the light of truth, would forthwith fall to ⟨p. 428⟩the ground. But the faithful have another respect, whose faith albeit it be founded upon humility, yet it is not carried away with a foolish or inconsiderate zeal, because it hath the spirit of God for the conductor and leader thereof, that so she may never turn aside from the certain light of Gods word. Therefore where the right rule of discerning things is absent,² there can be nothing but superstitions, as Isaiah saith. Now because things are not to be done rashly, therefore the faithful wills them to bring forth, and put them in their hearts: not that they meant to halt between two opinions, being before instructed of God,³ but because the superstitious could allege nothing for themselves, but that which was worthy to be laughed at of all. See here again then the difference between blockish obstinacy, and true faith, which hath her foundation upon Gods word, so as she can never be moved.

By this marke wee may discerne superstition from that true religion,¹ which is directed by a rule that is neither doubtfull nor deceiueable. The idolaters vaunt themselues but too much in their errors, yet all their pride proceeds from folly, sottishnesse, and frensie. For if they would consider of the heauenly doctrine, with calme and quiet minds, all this ouerweening by which they darken the light of truth, would forthwith fall to ⟨p. 428⟩the ground. But the faithfull haue another respect, whose faith albeit it be founded vpon humilitie, yet it is not caried away with a foolish or inconsiderate zeale, because it hath the spirit of God for the conductor and leader thereof, that so she may neuer turne aside from the certaine light of Gods word. Therefore where the right rule of discerning things is absent,