Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

This exposition is confirmed by the words which follow, Be still: for these two things are §1joined together: first, to stand quietly upon his watch, to the end he may not be distracted with divers thoughts, looking this way §2and that way: secondly, that he be still, and of a calm and quiet spirit within. And behold here the fruits agreeable to a justifying faith. For as the unbelievers waver and float in uncertainty in divers assaults, and know not to which end to turn them: so the faithful on the contrary are stayed, and cast themselves upon God with quiet minds. Impiety is never at rest: but where faith hath gotten strength; there we may see security and quietness of mind, not trembling beyond measure.

This exposition is confirmed by the words which follow, Be still: for these two things are §1ioyned together: first, to stand quietly vpon his watch, to the end he may not be distracted with diuers thoughts, looking this way §2and that way: secondly, that he be still, and of a calme and quiet spirit within. And behold here the fruites agreeable to a iustifying faith. For as the vnbeleeuers wauer and floate in vncertaintie in diuers assaults, and know not to which end to turne them: so the faithfull on the contrarie are staied, and cast themselues vpon God with quiet mindes. Impietie is neuer at rest: but where faith hath gotten strength; there we may see securitie and quietnes of minde, not trembling beyond measure.

These words then do express the virtue of a true faith. Now having showed the remedy whereby to appease the troublesome passions of the heart, he also forbids him to fear: because nothing is more contrary to faith (who commits her salvation into the hands of God) then fear. But I confess indeed that it is impossible for us to be void of fear, when dangers approach. For faith makes us not senseless. Contrariwise, the children of God are touched with a double §1