Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.

1. 1Brethren, enemies both to the word, and to the godly that profess it▪Brethren, enemies both to the word, and to the godly that professe it▪

Who cast you out.] Word for word it is; Who drave you behind them. As we see how the Pope thunders¹ against us horribly, as if we were most abominable and wretched people. And thus the hypocrites reject the little flock of the faithful.²