Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This is no superfluous repetition, but rather an amplification of that which he spake of before: for whilst men are thus rocked asleep, hardly can they be awakened by the voice of Gods Prophets. It is needful then to cry aloud, and to add rebuke to rebuke. Therefore in that he multiplies his threatening, he thereby shows how great our security is, when men are once blinded with prosperity. It is almost a thing impossible for them to hear the voice of God when he admonisheth them. And to speak the truth, men are in much more danger by prosperity, then by adversity: for when all things fall out well, they are ready to flatter themselves; ⟨p. 324⟩yea, and to be bewitched with their felicity. This was the cause why he was fain to rebuke the Jews so sharply; even to quicken them up if it were possible out of their drowsiness. This exhortation then ought to be referred to the time to come as if the Prophet should have said; In the end you shall tremble, for I can assure you, your rest shall not last always.

THis is no superfluous repetition, but rather an amplification of that which hee spake of before: for whilest men are thus rocked asleepe, hardly can they be awakened by the voice of Gods Prophets. It is needefull then to cry alowd, and to adde rebuke to rebuke. Therefore in that hee multiplies his threatning, he thereby shewes how great our securitie is, when men are once blinded with prosperitie. It is almost a thing impossible for them to heare the voice of God when he admonisheth them. And to speake the truth, men are in much more danger by prosperitie, then by aduersitie: for when all things fall out well, they are ready to flatter themselues;