Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹The word goes so out of Gods mouth, that it also goes forth of the mouths of men: for God speaks not from heaven, but useth men as his instruments to declare his will by their ministry. But the authority of the promises is better confirmed unto us, when we• hear that they proceed out of the sacred mouth of God. Although then that he use witnesses on earth, yet he testifies, that whatsoever they shall promise in his name, shall be ratified and confirmed afterwards, before him. And that he might the better engrave in mens minds, the power and efficacy of preaching, he advertiseth us that he scattereth not this precious seed at random, but hath ordained it to a certain end; in regard whereof, no man is to doubt of the effect. For there is nothing whereunto men are more inclined, then to judge of God according to their own fantasies, that so they may reject his word. It was needful therefore tha• this doctrine should be often repeated and beaten into our heads, that we might know how God will surely perform that which he hath once said. As oft then as we hear of Gods promises, let us consider what his meaning is in them: as when he promiseth free remission of sins,²