Vers. 11. So shall my word bee, that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not returne vnto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I will, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
* 1.1THe vvord goes so out of Gods mouth, that it also goes forth of the mouthes of men: for God speakes not from heauen, but vseth men as his instruments to declare his will by their ministrie. But the authoritie of the pro∣mises is better confirmed vnto vs, when we•• heare that they proceede out of the sacred mouth of God. Although then that hee vse witnesses on earth, yet hee testifies, that whatsoeuer they shall promise in his name, shall bee ratified and confirmed afterwards, before him. And that he might the better in∣graue in mens mindes, the power and effica∣cie of preaching, he aduertiseth vs that hee scattereth not this precious seede at randon, but hath ordained it to a certaine end; in re∣gard whereof, no man is to doubt of the ef∣fect. For there is nothing whereunto men are more inclined, then to iudge of God accor∣ding to their owne fantasies, that so they may reiect his word. It was needfull therefore tha•• this doctrine should bee often repeated and beaten into our heads, that wee might know how God will surely performe that which he hath once said. As oft then as wee heare of Gods promises, let vs consider what his mea∣ning is in them: as when hee promiseth free remission of sinnes,* 1.2 let vs assure our selues of reconciliation through Christ. But as the word of God is powerfull to saue the faith∣full, so hath it also his efficacie to condemne the wicked: which Iesus Christ himselfe af∣firmes, [ 1] Iohn 12.48. The word which I haue [ 2] spoken, that shall iudge in the last day.