Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Moreover, he saith here, that the Gentiles have not known: but it is to be taken otherwise then that which he said before, namely, that Christ knew not them: for ignorance is properly attributed to the profane and unbelievers, in regard they are deprived of the heavenly doctrine, without which we shall never know God. And howsoever this knowledge is naturally engraven in the hearts of all; yet it is so obscure & confused, and wrapped in so many errors, that if the light of the word be not added thereunto, whilst they know God, they shall be ignorant of him, and not know him at all, but shall miserably err in darkness.

Moreouer, he saith heere, that the Gentiles haue not knowne: but it is to be takē otherwise then that which he said before, namely, that Christ knew not them: for ignorance is properly attributed to the prophane and vnbeleeuers, in regard they are depriued of the heauenly doctrine, without which we shall neuer know God. And howsoeuer this knowledge is naturally ingrauen in the hearts of all; yet it is so obscure & confused, and wrapped in so many errors, that if the light of the word bee not added thereunto, whilest they know God, they shall be ignorant of him, and not know him at all, but shall miserably erre in darknesse.

We have here an excellent testimony then touching the vocation of the Gentiles: ¹for whom Christ is ordained a redeemer, as well as for the Jews. Whence also we gather, that God hath now care of us, if we will submit our selves under his government: so as he will not only watch over us, as he doth over the rest of his creatures, but as a father that is vigilant over his children. The word shall run, doth better express the efficacy of this vocation: for the end thereof is, that we may obey God, in yielding our selves teachable with a ready and glad heart in his presence, and willingly to receive from his mouth, the least of his commandments. For as S. Paul saith, Rom. 1.5. and 16.26