Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Isaiah still pleads the cause of God against the people: and in brief affirms, that all the calamities which the people sustained ought to be imputed to their own default: and that they were to blame themselves for not recovering a more happy and comfortable estate. Why so? Because God for his part is always ready to pardon their sins, if they harden not their own hearts against him. But for as much as it seems, that the Prophet placeth felicity here, in the will and power of man, Object. the Papists contend with open mouth that men have power of their own free moving to do good or evil. Is it so? Ans. As if God discoursed here how great the ability of men is; when he accuseth their obstinacy. But he should then say in vain, Object. if ye will consent, if so be it were not in their power. I answer, Ans. that howsoever the choice be not in our own power, as they would make us believe it is, yet God justly chargeth sinners to be the voluntary authors of their evils, because they pull down the wrath of God upon their own heads willingly, and without constraint. I grant then, that it is a special gift of God for a man to endeavour to do good: but it is also as true, that the wickedness of reprobates hindereth them from applying themselves thereunto: and therefore that all the fault of their hardening abides and remains in themselves. And hereupon depends this reproach, namely, That the people might have had an happy issue, and a comfortable life, if they would have become teachable and obedient to God. For seeing that of his own nature he desires nothing more then to do good, we may justly impute it unto our own malice, and unthankfulness, that this liberality which he daily offereth, comes not unto us.