Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But yet we are diligently to observe this similitude; to wit, that the Church should be oppressed by the tyranny of Princes, & made a pray to the throat of wolves: and yet notwithstanding she should be esteemed good purchase, yea esteemed a just captivity. What is more unjust? But thus were our fathers handled: and are we better or more worthy then they? But let them boast as long as they list of their just captivity, and let them glory at their pleasure in this vain title, the Lord pronounceth them abominable (cut-throats) and thieves, in affirming that he will be avenged of them, and pluck the pray out of their teeth: for God useth not to overthrow just possessors. Whence it follows, that the dominion which they usurped over Gods people, was an unjust tyranny, and plain robbery. Neither could their weapons nor munitions hinder the Lord from taking from them, that which they unlawfully detained.

But yet we are diligently to obserue this similitude; to wit, that the Church should be oppressed by the tyrannie of Princes, & made a pray to the throte of wolues: and yet notwithstanding shee should be esteemed good purchase, yea esteemed a iust captiuitie. What is more vniust? But thus were our fathers handled: and are we better or more worthy then they? But let them boast as long as they list of their iust captiuitie, and let them glory at their pleasure in this vaine title, the Lord pronounceth them abominable (cut-throtes) and theeues, in affirming that he will bee auenged of them, and plucke the pray out of their teeth: for God vseth not to ouerthrow iust poscessors. Whence it followes, that the dominion which they vsurped ouer Gods people, was an vniust tyrannie, and plaine robberie. Neither could their weapons nor munitions hinder the Lord from taking from them, that which they vnlawfully detained.

And this promise stands in force not only against tyrants, and visible enemies, but also against the tyranny of Satan, from which we are now delivered by the admirable power of God. I grant, Satan is a powerful adversary; but the Lord which is stronger then he, will bind him, and take away his weapons, and cast down his strong holds, that he may restore us unto liberty: