Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The sum then is, that the Jews shall ⟨p. 451⟩feel by the effects that they worshipped the true God, after their faith shall be confirmed by visible signs.¹ In the mean while, he discerns true faith from that wavering infidelity, which carries unconstant men hither and thither: for God gives knowledge & judgement always to his elect, whereby they shall be able to distinguish truth from lies. After this, follows faith and steadfast confidence, which causeth them without doubting to receive whatsoever the Lord hath revealed unto them: and then faith kindles a greater light in the understanding, and as we profit by degrees, so knowledge grows in us, and shines more clearly.² But this is not effected in us by our own reason, but by the power of the holy Ghost; for it is his office to enlighten us.

The summe then is, that the Iewes shall ⟨p. 451⟩feele by the effects that they worshipped the true God, after their faith shall be confirmed by visible signes.¹ In the meane while, he discernes true faith from that wauering infidelitie, which carries vnconstant men hither and thither: for God giues knowledge & iudgement alwaies to his elect, whereby they shall be able to distinguish truth from lies. After this, followes faith and stedfast confidence, which causeth them without doubting to receiue whatsoeuer the Lord hath reuealed vnto them: and then faith kindles a greater light in the vnderstanding, and as we profit by degrees, so knowledge growes in vs, and shines more clearly.² But this is not effected in vs by our owne reason, but by the power of the holy Ghost; for it is his office to inlighten vs.

1. 1A true faith distinguished from inconstant infidelity.