Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹The sum is, that albeit many rise up to overthrow the Church, yet shall all their plots and assaults be defeated, and vanish into smoke. Yea, it seems that God not only promiseth help against the open enemies, but also against them within: for many creep into the bosom of the Church, as if they meant to be her children: but afterward, they fall like vipers to eat out the belly of their mother. Some translate; In assembling, he shall assemble against thee: understanding this of all the enemies of the Church in general. This is the most received interpretation: neither do I reject it, provided that we therewithal comprehend the wiles, ambushes, and treasons wherewith the Church is assailed. And no doubt but that is here expressed, which is contained in the second Psalm; to wit, the tumults and conspiracies against Christ and his Church: for not one, but many nations rise up against her, and yet it is very likely that the Prophet here expressly joins the domestic enemies, and those from without, who crept in to assail her in her own bosom as it were. For it is said, in thee, against thee: that is to say, they shall set upon thee from within, yea even in the middest of thee.

¹THe summe is, that albeit many rise vp to ouerthrow the Church, yet shall all their plots and assaults be defeated, and vanish into smoke. Yea, it seemes that God not onely promiseth helpe against the open enemies, but also against them vvithin: for many creep into the bosome of the Church, as if they meant to be her children: but afterward, they fall like vipers to eate out the bellie of their mother. Some translate; In assembling, he shall assemble against thee: vnderstanding this of all the enemies of the Church in generall. This is the most receiued interpretation: neither doe I reiect it, prouided that wee therewithall comprehend the wiles, ambushes, and treasons wherewith the Church is assailed. And no doubt but that is heere expressed, which is contained in the second Psalme; to wit, the tumults and conspiracies against Christ and his Church: for not one, but many nations rise vp against her, and yet it is very likely that the Prophet heere expresly ioines the domestike enemies, and those from without, who crept in to assaile her in her owne bosome as it were. For it is said, in thee, against thee: that is to say, they shall set vpon thee from within, yea euen in the middest of thee.