Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Some think the Prophet hath respect to the outward observation of the Sabbath, because it was not lawful to travail on that day. Now howsoever I reject not this, yet I take it that the sense hath a larger extent; for under the figure Synecdoche, he signifies the whole course of mans life, it being a thing well known to all, that by walking, our whole conversation is understood. He saith then, If thou ceasest to follow thine own swing: if thou shut up all passage against thy self: walk not whither thy fantasy leads thee, &c. For they are said to turn their feet from the Sabbath who impose not this law upon themselves, namely, not to wander whither their unbridled lusts would carry them.

SOme thinke the Prophet hath respect to the outward obseruation of the Sabbath, because it was not lawfull to trauaile on that day. Now howsoeuer I reiect not this, yet I take it that the sense hath a larger extent; for vnder the figure Synecdoche, he signifies the whole course of mans life, it being a thing well knowne to all, that by vvalking, our whole conuersation is vnderstood. He saith then, If thou ceasest to follow thine owne swinge: if thou shut vp all passage against thy selfe: vvalke not vvhither thy fantasie leades thee, &c. For they are said to turne their feete from the Sabbath who impose not this law vpon themselues, namely, not to wander whither their vnbridled lusts would carrie them.

Now as before under the fast he comprehended all ceremonies, and showed that these disguisings in which they placed their holiness, were nothing but vain and unprofitable things, so in this place he shows wherein the true observation of the Sabbath consists, to the end they should not think it to be in the outward rest from bodily labour, but in the true renouncing of our selves, that is, in abstaining from all wickedness, violence, voluptuousness, and evil thoughts.

Now as before vnder the fast he comprehended all ceremonies, and shewed that these disguisings in which they placed their holines, were nothing but vain and vnprofitable things, so in this place he shewes wherein the true obseruation of the Sabbath consists, to the end they should not thinke it to be in the outward rest from bodily labor, but in the true renouncing of our selues, that is, in abstaining from all wickednes, violence, voluptuousnes, and euill thoughts.