Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Notwithstanding the Lord in our times hath begun again to set up that which was fallen down, that at least there might be some image of the true Temple where he was purely served according as he hath ordained in the Gospel. To which end he hath selected out as it were from among the least of the common people, his chief builders, to advance this work by sincere doctrine. I grant, it is of it self a difficult work, and of great weight, though Satan should let us alone in quiet. But if even now whilst some part of this building is raised up, he doth his utmost to break it down, is it any marvel if we labour much, and with great care, & yet see little or no fruit for the present to come of our labours? Therefore these mighty Giants proudly scorn us: as if whilst we studying how to practise the ruin of the tyrannous Roman sea; we should strive to overthrow the mount Olympus.

Notwithstanding the Lord in our times hath begun againe to set vp that which was fallen downe, that at least there might be some image of the true Temple where he was purely serued according as he hath ordained in the Gospel. To which end he hath selected out as it were from among the least of the common people, his chiefe builders, to aduance this worke by sincere doctrine. I grant, it is of it selfe a difficult worke, and of great waight, though Satan should let vs alone in quiet. But if euen now whilest some part of this building is raised vp, he doth his vtmost to break it downe, is it any maruell if we labour much, and with great care, & yet see little or no fruit for the present to come of our labors? Therfore these mightie Giants proudly scorne vs: as if whilest we studying how to practise the ruine of the tyrannous Romane sea; wee should striue to ouerthrow the mount Olympus.

These great wits also, w••o (as they think) know somewhat, deride our diligence; in regard we are so earnestly busied in restoring the Church to her first estate: as if in the same any certain or settled estate were to be expected. For these (forsooth) imagine that they are so well founded, and on all sides so furnished, that it is no less easy to abolish popery, then to mingle heaven and earth together. But the conceit of these wise men differs somewhat. For in regard the perversity of the world is so great, that it cannot be held in awe, they think we travel in vain, and against the stream to seek in correcting vices, to have a pure and sincere administration of a Church. The flout of Erasmus is well enough known; What hopes Capito of the tenth which shall come after him? It cannot be denied but Wolfangus Capito was an holy man, who with a most sincere affection endeavoured to purge the Church. But because he was persuaded that the Ministers of Christ should no less lose their labour in correcting the stubbornness of the world, then if they should have taken upon them to have forced the stream the contrary way (for thus they are wont to think who talk of things in the shade) he taxeth us all of inconsiderate zeal in the person of one. But both the one and the other are much deceived, in that they consider not, that we so employ our selves in the Lords service, as he hath commanded, that in the mean while the restoration of the Church is merely the work of his own hands. Neither is it without cause that the whole Scripture commonly testifies, and that our Prophet again and again so carefully repeats it. Wherefore being mindful of this doctrine, let us no way be discouraged from undertaking under Go guidance, a business which far surmounts our own abilities; that so no encumbrances may either break off our purpose, or so weaken us, that we should dst from our enterprise.