Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 5. Which say, Stand apart, come not near to me: For I am holier then thou: these are a smoke in my wrath, and a fire that burneth all the day.

Vers. 5. Which say, Stand apart, come not neere to me: For I am holier then thou: these are a smoke in my wrath, and a fire that burneth all the day.

HE notes out a gross impiety that was among the Jews; namely, that of an obstinate mind, and an untamed rebellion, they opposed themselves against the true servants of God: neither would they obey any admonitions. For whilst we give ear to admonitions and reprehensions, there is some hope of repentance: but if we reject them, then is it ⟨p. 653⟩certain that we be past cure. Now howsoever the Prophets words in appearance seem to be obscure; yet the sum of them is, that hypocrites do disdainfully, and malapertly thrust back those, who faithfully admonish them, because they attribute unto themselves, either a show of holiness, or, in respect that their pride cannot endure that any should reprove them: for hypocrisy is never separate from disdainfulness¹ & pride. Let us not marvel then if those who be tainted with this vice, do insolently exalt themselves, bragging of their holiness, and think that they excel therein above all others: and if we at this day also do find the like qualities in the hypocrites of our time, which Isaiah hath described to be in those that then lived. For Satan hath so blinded them, that whilst with a vain bragging of words, they set their devotions to sale, they basely esteem of Gods word.

HE notes out a grosse impietie that was among the Iewes; namely, that of an obstinate mind, and an vntamed rebellion, they opposed themselues against ye true seruants of God: neither would they obey any admonitions. For whilest we giue eare to admonitions and reprehensions, there is some hope of repentance: but if wee reiect them, then is it ⟨p. 653⟩