Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

smite the ears in speaking, and should not therewithal cause the same to sink into our hearts, all would be to no purpose. In that he attributes this efficacy unto the word then, let us also therein know that it is himself from whom that power proceeds, that so it might not be spoken fruitlessly, but might work inwardly upon the conscience,¹ not at all times, nor upon all, but then, when it pleaseth him thus to work by the secret power of his holy spirit.

smite the eares in speaking, and should not therewithall cause the same to sinke into our hearts, all would be to no purpose. In that he attributes this efficacie vnto the word then, let vs also therein know that it is himselfe from whom that power proceeds, that so it might not be spoken fruitleslie, but might worke inwardlie vpon the conscience,¹ not at all times, nor vpon all, but then, when it pleaseth him thus to worke by the secret power of his holy spirit.

1. 1The Lord works not upon all, nor at all times, inwardly upon mens consciences.The Lord works not vpon all, nor at all times, inwardly vpon mens consciences.

Hence we gather, that by the same word we be brought into the right way of Gods service, for without it we should remain ignorant, all our reason would fail, and not only stagger, but our infidelity would make us become wholly brutish. It is more then need then that the Lord succour us this way, that our fears being appeased, & our weakness strengthened, we may be fitted to walk on in our christian course. For if we had these words Fear not, Behold your God, well fixed in our hearts,¹ all faintings would soon vanish. Men no sooner feel that God is near unto them, but they cast away fear, or at the least so resist it, that they are not overcome of it. In nothing be careful saith S. Paul, for the Lord is at hand,