Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

And we are to observe the order which the Prophet here follows. For having proclaimed open war against the wicked and hypocrites, he now severely reproves them, and stripes them quite of their feigned pretence, under which they shadowed themselves. For thus they were to be handled and to be ferreted out of their lurking holes: otherwise doctrine would profit them but little or nothing. Which order as all the faithful are to observe in regard of others; so ought every one to apply this doctrine to his several use, that he may not please nor flatter himself in his vices, lest he deceive his own heart, or suffer himself to be seduced by the illusions of the devil. Let every one bring with him a pure and an upright heart, if he mean to profit in the pure doctrine; and to be acceptable to his God.

And wee are to obserue the order which the Prophet here followes. For hauing proclaimed open warre against the wicked and hypocrites, he now seuerely reprooues them, and stripes them quite of their fained pretence, vnder which they shadowed thēselues. For thus they were to be handled and to bee ferreted out of their lurking holes: otherwise doctrine would profit them but little or nothing. Which order as al the faithful are to obserue in regard of others; so ought euery one to applie this doctrine to his seueral vse, that he may not please nor flatter himselfe in his vices, lest he deceiue his owne heart, or suffer himselfe to be seduced by the illusions of the diuell. Let euery one bring with him a pure and an vpright heart, if he meane to profit in the pure doctrine; and to be acceptable to his God.

Moreover, although Isaiah attributes to these dissemblers and disloyal some kind of holiness:¹ yet he again taxeth them with a very bitter flout, as if he should say, Your impudent boasting is accompanied with too manifest an obstinacy. And thus it is not only a plain mock, but there is a complaint mingled therewith, for presuming to serve God in hypocrisy. Whereas if their shows were rightly examined, and that the whole course of their lives were sufficiently sifted, it would be found that their hearts were far remote from God.