Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

HE goes on still in rebuking such as could not be reclaimed by any persuasion whatsoever, who shut the gate against all good counsel and holy admonitions which are made unto them. Lastly, he pronounceth a woe against all desperate contemners, who oppose and set the lusts of their flesh, or the perverse confidence of their own wisdom, against God his doctrine, and admonitions. And not only reproves those which are so puffed up with a false opinion of their wit, that they are ashamed to learn of others: but he also condemns all such in general, who being wise in their own conceit, refuse to hear God speaking, and to obey his holy counsels. This vice hath been too common in all times, and is to be seen at this day in many: who although they make conscience to reject all the doctrine of godliness openly, yet are so far off from any true teachableness and obedience, that they proudly reject whatsoever likes them not. They grant there ought to be some bridle to hold them in: but on the other side, arrogance so blinds them that they quickly murmur against God, when he shows them but the way wherein they should walk. And not content with that; but with furious indignation gnash their teeth when any reproveth that which they do. For where shall we find that man who renouncing all his own reason, will be ready to learn, from God his mouth only? Now there is not a more dangerous pestilence then this lying show of wisdom, seeing teachableness is the beginning of godliness; when renouncing our own wisdom, we go thither where God calls us. But this false persuasion, is not condemned only, for that it makes men disobedient to God, and so causeth their ruin: but also because it is intolerable in it self.