Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Thus when the Prophets deal with mens manners, they bring in no new thing,¹ but explain those things which were misunderstood in the law. As for example, the people thought they had done their duties to the utmost, when they had offered sacrifices, and observed the ceremonies: for the world is wont always to measure God according to their own ell, and to botch him up a carnal service. This corruption the Prophets reprove sharply, showing that all ceremonies are nothing where the integrity of the heart is wanting; and that God will be worshipped by faith, and a right invocating of his name. This was manifested to them plainly enough in the law, but it was needful it should take a deeper impression, and that they should be put again in mind of it. The hypocrisy,² wherewith men mask themselves under the veil of ceremonies, was to be discovered.

Thus when the Prophets deale with mens manners, they bring in no new thing,¹ but explane those things which were misunderstood in the law. As for example, the people thought they had done their duties to the vtmost, when they had offered sacrifices, and obserued the ceremonies: for the world is wont alwaies to measure God according to their owne ell, and to botch him vp a carnall seruice. This corruption the Prophets reprooue sharpely, shewing that all ceremonies are nothing where the integritie of the heart is wanting; and that God will be worshipped by faith, and a right inuocating of his name. This was manifested to them plainely enough in the law, but it was needfull it should take a deeper impression, and that they should be put againe in mind of it. The hypocrisie,² wherewith men maske themselues vnder the vaile of ceremonies, was to be discouered.

1. 1The first table.
2. 2The second table.The second t•ble.