Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Isaiah adds now that which was the principal: for the Lord can neither be served, nor called upon, unless w•e first kno• him to be our Father. As saith Saint Paul; How shall they call upon him whom they know not Rom. 10.14.¹ For we cannot be partakers of Gods gifts to our salvation, unless the true knowledge which is by faith go before. He hath good reason therefore to add knowledge, as the foundation of all religion, or the key which opens the kingdom of heaven unto us. Which knowledge we cannot have, but by doctrine: whence we may conclude, that God rejects all new found services; for he cannot approve of that which is void of that knowledge, which proceeds from the hearing of the true and pure doctrine. Men shall never be able to settle a right form of Gods service then, if they only bring that which themselves have devised.² These places are worthy to be well observed; for therein the holy Ghost shows us what true adoration and invocation is; namely, having banished all the inventions of men, whereunto they obstinately stick, we should suffer our selves to be taught by the word of God; and if we once be furnished with the authority thereof, let us freely and openly condemn whatsoever the world extolleth and admireth. Whereas he saith again, that Egypt shall know; it is a repetition of some weight:³ for this knowledge is of so great importance, that it ought not to be slightly passed over, because it holds the chiefest place; without which there is no true worship of God.

ISaiah addes now that which was the principall: for the Lord can neither be serued, nor called vpon, vnlesse w•e first kno• him to be our Father. As saith Saint Paul; How shall they call vpon him whom they know not Rom. 10.14.¹