Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But besides this, that is to be noted which Paul saith 2. Thess. 2.9, That the efficacy of error is given unto Satan, that he might blind the unbelievers who delight in his delusions. When they ask counsel then of this father of lies, it is no marvel though they be deceived under a colour of truth: but in the mean while, it is a just punishment of God upon them for their ingratitude.

But besides this, that is to be noted which Paul saith 2. Thess. 2.9, That the efficacie of error is giuen vnto Satan, that he might blind the vnbeleeuers who delight in his delusions. When they aske counsell then of this father of lies, it is no maruell though they be dedeceiued vnder a colour of truth: but in the meane while, it is a iust punishment of God vpon them for their ingratitude.

We read that a lying spirit was let loose by means of the false Prophets, the better to blind Ahab, who pleased himself in such beguilings: 1. King. 22.21. It was good reason also that the profane nations who had forsaken the true God, should be entangled in the snares of error, and so drawn headlong into perdition. Thus then it is a fond dispute whereabout Saint Augustine labours so much;¹ to wit, how the devils may be partakers of this prescience which the good Angels have: for the cause hereof must not be sought out in nature. So in times past, when God gave the bridle to false Prophets, he by their fallacies avenged himself upon the peoples wickedness: not that such imposters had any great gift of knowledge, but being fitted for this purpose, they did according to the licence given unto them.

We reade that a lying spirit was let loose by meanes of the false Prophets, the better to blind Ahab, who pleased himselfe in such beguilings: