Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Next of all, patience must be joined with faith, without which, we be unworthy to be heard, because we call not upon God with confidence. Now faith only is the mother of prayer,¹ as the Scripture often testifies in many places, without which what remains but hypocrisy, a vice most detestable before God above all others. Hence it also appears that Christianity is banished out of the whole kingdom of Popery: for if Gods chiefest service consist in prayer, and they know not what true prayer is² (because they will have men continually to doubt, and accuse the faith of the Saints of presumption) how can their service be acceptable unto God? Can that be a lawful prayer which is made in doubting and without resting assuredly upon Gods promises? Those great Rabbins which will be called Doctors of Divinity (forsooth) are they not more simple in this matter then little children? Certainly our children understand what prayer is better then they, and have more godly affection. We may also learn from this text that faith is proved by afflictions,³ and the true trial of it consists in a constant undergoing of all dangers and assaults, and in resting securely upon the word and promise of God. For thus we make it manifest that we have truly believed.

Next of all, patience must be ioined with faith, without which, we be vnworthie to be heard, because wee call not vpon God with confidence. Now faith only is the mother of prayer,¹ as ye Scripture often testifies in many places, without which what remaines but hypocrisie, a vice most detestable before God aboue all others. Hence it also appeares that Christianitie is banished out of the whole kingdome of Poperie: for if Gods chiefest seruice consist in prayer, and they know not what true prayer is² (because they will haue men continuallie to doubt, and accuse the faith of the Saints of presumption) how can their seruice be acceptable vnto God? Can that be a lawfull prayer which is made in doubting and without resting assuredly vpon Gods promises? Those great Rabbins which will be called Doctors of Diuinitie (forsooth) are they not more simple in this matter then little children? Certainely our children vnderstand what prayer is better then they, and haue more godly affection. Wee may also learne from this text that faith is proued by afflictions,