Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This is an other figure which serves for an amplification. For God cannot repeat this doctrine too often. The reason is, not only to astonish the infidels, but also to bring consolation to the good, who are often times disquieted, when the wicked are at their ease, and have all things at their desire: which David confesseth when he saith; I have cleansed mine heart in vain, and washed mine hands in innocency: Psal. 73.13. These lively images then are for good cause thus painted out before our eyes, to show us plainly the destruction of the wicked. And therefore it is as if Isaiah should say; Were it so that the very heavens had need to be shaken for the bringing down, and the rooting out of infidels; even that should be done. For they think themselves out of all danger, and so deeply rooted in the earth, as if it were impossible to pluck them up: but the Prophet shows that they greatly deceive themselves, because the Lord will rather shake the heaven and the earth also, then that they should not come tumbling down from their greatness, whereunto they are mounted up aloft. Whence it follows, that although the world presents a thousand leaning stocks unto us, as well high as lo•e, yet notwithstanding there shall be no steadfastness in any of them, unless God therewithal be merciful unto us. And if this appears in particular judgements, how much more will it appear in that general judgement, when Christ shall ascend into the judicial throne of his majesty to pronounce sentence of condemnation against all the wicked?