Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now it is not to be held as a matter superfluous, that he lays forth the ungracious life of this people thus, by piece meal. For men are wont to seek out many starting holes; neither can they be brought into any good order, unless they be first brought to acknowledge their offences.

Now it is not to be held as a matter superfluous, that he laies forth the vngracious life of this people thus, by peece meale. For men are wont to seeke out many starting holes; neither can they be brought into any good order, vnlesse they bee first brought to acknowledge their offences.

In mentioning of blood; his meaning is not that they committed open murders; but thereby he notes out the inhumanity, rapines, violence and outrages which the hypocritical sort exercised over the poor, and such as were not able to resist. We must not think he had to deal with notorious murderers or thieves; but with the King and States-men; who were honoured and respected, in regard of their great places. These are they whom he calls men of blood; in that they cruelly vexed poor innocents: and in that by force and violence they wrung unto themselves other mens goods.

In mentioning of blood; his meaning is not that they committed open murthers; but thereby he notes out the inhumanitie, rapines, violence and outrages which the hypocriticall sort exercised ouer the poore, and such as were not able to resist. We must not thinke he had to deale with notorious murtherers or theeues; but with the King and States-men; who were honoured and respected, in regard of their great places. These are they whom he calles men of blood; in that they cruellie vexed poore innocents: and in that by force and violence they wrung vnto themselues other mens goods.