Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Besides, in as much as hypocrites are wont to cast a wonderful goodly varnish over their glorious ceremonies, the Prophets intent is, to arm and fortify the faithful, that they might be able to bear such assaults, lest they should faint when they should be mocked and abused. As if he should say; You have not only to fight against strange nations, but also against home enemies, who hold a place in the Church, and who are your brethren, in respect of that covenant, which is common to you all. If they scorn your simplicity, in the same sort as they have proudly despised the Lord himself, you must constantly and courageously resist this temptation.

Besides, in as much as hypocrites are wont to cast a wonderful goodly varnish ouer their glorious ceremonies, the Prophets intent is, to arme and fortifie the faithfull, that they might be able to beare such assaults, lest they should faint when they should bee mocked and abused. As if he should say; You haue not onely to fight against strange nations, but also against home enemies, who hold a place in the Church, and who are your brethren, in respect of that couenant, which is common to you all. If they scorne your simplicitie, in the same sort as they haue proudly despised the Lord himselfe, you must constantly and couragiously resist this temptation.

¹He calls them brethren then, who notwithstanding were enemies, both to the faithful, and to the word of the Lord. For he attributes this name unto them by way of yielding or granting it unto them; who yet usurped this title falsely. Whence we gather, that it is no new plague wherewith the Church hath bin pestered; namely, that the enemies, who bear the name of brethren, should be nourished up in her lap. Hence ariseth that perpetual conflict which we must needs have with hypocrites, who cannot endure that we should serve God in purity and sincerity of conscience.

¹He calles them brethren then, who notwithstanding were enemies, both to the faithfull, and to the vvord of the Lord. For he attributes this name vnto them by way of yeelding or granting it vnto them; who yet vsurped this title falsly. Whence wee gather, that it is no new plague wherewith the Church hath bin pestered; namely, that the enemies, who beare the name of brethren, should be nourished vp in her lap. Hence ariseth that perpetuall conflict vvhich vvee must needes haue vvith hypocrites, vvho cannot indure that vve should serue God in puritie and sinceritie of conscience.