Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But by how much the more as this virtue is excellent, and truly heroical; so if we shall call to mind what hath past in all the ages from the first (till now;) how rarely hath it been found; or how few have given themselves to the practise of it? Many being remiss and fainthearted, have through mere negligence suffered Gods truth to be suppressed, as if the matter had not at all concerned them. The greater part showing themselves adversaries, have with fury and violence rushed against it. And would to God all those who at this day profess themselves Christians, had but so much heart to advance the doctrine of salvation, as they are proud in glorying of this name.

But by how much the more as this vertue is excellent, and truely heroicall; so if wee shall call to mind what hath past in all the ages from the first (till now;) how rarely hath it been found; or how few haue giuen themselues to the practise of it? Many being remisse and fainthearted, haue through meere negligence suffered Gods truth to be suppressed, as if the matter had not at all concerned them. The greater part shewing themselues aduersaries, haue with furie and violence rushed against it. And would to God all those who at this day professe themselues Christians, had but so much heart to aduance the doctrine of saluation, as they are proude in glorying of this name.

But to be silent touching others, we may yet at the last worthily esteem this comfort not as a common favour, in the miseries wherein the Church now is, that you, most noble King, have been raised up of God, with this spirit, and excellent magnanimity of mind, to maintain the pure religion; and as effectually to offer unto God your service in this behalf, as you know he receives and approves the same at your Majesties hands. For howsoever the affairs of the Kingdom be yet managed by your honourable Counsel: and that as well the most noble Duke of Somerset, your Majesties Uncle, as also many others, have taken the cause of religion so to heart, that they labour diligently (as it is very fit they should) to establish the same: yet do you in such sort outgo them all; that it well appears, the zeal which they see in you provokes them not a little to follow you. For you have the same, not only to be of such a princely disposition as promiseth much, and to have some seeds of virtues also, (which yet nevertheless seems great in so young years) but more then that, such a ripeness of these virtues already grown beyond your age; which to the most aged, gets not only rare praise, but also maes them much to be admired. And above all, so greatly is your piety commended, that I am very well assured our Prophet shall have one, that will with like respect reverence him being dead, as Hezekias did whilst he was living.