Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

He sets forth the thing signified therefore, by the sign;¹ as the Scriptures are often wont to do. Whence we gather, that God requireth the outward service of the body: for the Prophet separates not the external profession of religion, from the internal affection of the heart. It is in vain then for such inconstant spirits to brag,² that they can honour and worship God in their hearts, though they bow their knees before Idols. It is in vain for them (I say) to make so frivolous an excuse, seeing the inward belief of the heart cannot be divided from the outward confession of the mouth. For with the heart, man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth he confesseth unto salvation: Rom. 10.10. For this cause the Lord approves of their integrity and uprightness in his service, that had not so much as bowed a knee to Baal: 1. King. 19.18.

He sets forth the thing signified therefore, by the signe;¹ as the Scriptures are often wont to doe. Whence we gather, that God requireth the outward seruice of the body: for the Prophet separates not the externall profession of religion, from the internall affection of the heart. It is in vaine then for such inconstant spirits to brag,² that they can honour and worshippe God in their hearts, though they bow their knees before Idols. It is in vaine for them (I say) to make so friuolous an excuse, seeing the inward beliefe of the heart cannot bee diuided from the outward confession of the mouth. For with the heart, man beleeues vnto righteousnesse, and with the mouth he confesseth vnto saluation: Rom. 10.10. For this cause the Lord approoues of their integritie and vprightnesse in his seruice, that had not so much as bowed a knee to Baal: 1. King. 19.18.