Draw near to me, ye unlearned, and gather yourselves together
into the hours of discipline.

51:32. Why are ye slow and what do you say of these things? your souls
are exceeding thirsty.

51:33. I have opened my mouth, and have spoken: buy her for yourselves
without silver,

51:34. And submit your neck to the yoke, and let your soul receive
discipline: for she is near at hand to be found.

51:35. Behold with your eyes how I have laboured a little, and have
found much rest to myself.

51:36. Receive ye discipline as a great sum of money, and possess
abundance of gold by her.

51:37. Let your soul rejoice in his mercy and you shall not be
confounded in his praise.

51:38. Work your work before the time, and he will give you your reward
in his time.

THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAS

This inspired writer is called by the Holy Ghost, the great prophet,
(Ecclesiasticus:48.25,) from the greatness of his prophetic spirit, by
which he hath foretold so long before, and in so clear a manner, the
coming of Christ, the mysteries of our redemption, the calling of the
Gentiles, and the glorious establishment, and perpetual flourishing of
the church of Christ: insomuch that he may seem to have been rather an
evangelist than a prophet. His very name is not without mystery; for
Isaias in Hebrew signifies the salvation of the Lord, or Jesus is the
Lord. He was, according to the tradition of the Hebrews, of the blood
royal of the kings of Juda: and after a most holy life, ended his days
by a glorious martyrdom; being sawed in two, at the command of his
wicked son in law, King Manasses, for reproving his evil ways.

Isaias Chapter 1

The prophet complains of the sins of Juda and Jerusalem, and exhorts
them to a sincere conversion.

1:1. The vision of Isaias the Son of Amos, which he saw concerning Juda
and Jerusalem in the days of Ozias, Joathan, Achaz, and Ezechias, kings
of Juda.

1:2. Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath
spoken. I have brought up children, and exalted them: but they have
despised me.

1:3. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel
hath not known me, and my people hath not understood.

1:4. Woe to the sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a wicked
seed, ungracious children: they have forsaken the Lord, they have
blasphemed the Holy One of Israel, they are gone away backwards.

1:5. For what shall I strike you any more, you that increase
tra