Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

From this place also we gather, that there is no hope of salvation, unless we be obedient to God and his word: and by this all men are convinced, so as they can pretend no cause of ignorance; for he that vouchsafes not to hear, shall never be able to allege one sound reason for his own defence. But, as I have said, these repetitions set forth the patience of God in calling us. For he summons us not for once only; but if he perceive that we be slow, he admonisheth us the second, yea, the third time, that he might overcome our stubbornness. He rejects not those then at the first which disdain him; but after he hath many times allured them.

From this place also we gather, that there is no hope of saluation, vnlesse we be obedient to God and his word: and by this all men are conuinced, so as they can pretend no cause of ignorance; for he that vouchsafes not to heare, shall neuer be able to alleage one sound reason for his owne defence. But, as I haue said, these repetitions set forth the patience of God in calling vs. For he summons vs not for once only; but if he perceiue that we be slow, he admonisheth vs the second, yea, the third time, that he might ouercome our stubbornnes. He reiects not those then at the first which disdaine him; but after he hath many times allured them.

Furthermore here is expressed the nature of faith,¹ when he commands us to come unto §1him: for we must so hear the Lord, that the §2fruit thereof may also follow. Those also who receive the word of God in faith do cast away their lusts, and reject the world wherewith they were fast bound, that they may willingly draw near unto God, and that with much joy and gladness of heart. Yet faith can not be conceived without hearing, Rom. 10.17. that is to say, without understanding of the word, and therefore he commands us to incline our ear before we come. When mention shall be made of faith then,