Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 5. A niggard shall no more be called liberal, nor the churl rich.

Vers. 5. A niggard shall no more be called liberall, nor the churle rich.

The Prophets meaning is, that all things shall be brought into their order, that men should not esteem vices virtues, as they did in times past. For where government is confused, the covetous reign as Lords; because men usually judge of virtue by power and riches. Let a poor man be never so honest, religious, yea, and liberal, according to his ability, yet he is generally despised of all. In an ill governed Common-wealth therefore all things are out of frame, but the contrary easily discovers all such jugglings. For let virtue once be in request, vice will forthwith be brought to light. The godly also have greater liberty to repress the pride of such as before trod all justice and equity under foot.

THe Prophets meaning is, that all things shall be brought into their order, that men should not esteeme vices vertues, as they did in times past. For where gouernment is confused, the couetous reigne as Lords; because men vsuallie iudge of vertue by power and riches. Let a poore man be neuer so honest, religious, yea, and liberall, according to his abilitie, yet he is generallie despised of all. In an ill gouerned Common-wealth therfore all things are out of frame, but the contrarie easily discouers all such iuglings. For let vertue once be in request, vice will forthwith be brought to light. The godly also haue greater libertie to represse the pride of such as before trode all iustice and equitie vnder foote.

Besides, in regard the Prophet speaks here touching the state and reformation of the Church, the government whereof is spiritual, we must yet raise up our minds a little ⟨p. 321⟩