Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Having spoken of the obedience of the Gentiles, he shows, that it not only appertains to the common people, but even to Kings also, whom he compares to foster fathers, who bring up other mens children, and Queens to milch nurses, which are hired forth for that purpose. Why so? Because Kings and Queens shall furnish the Church with all things necessary for her children. For whereas before they banished Christ out of all their coasts, now they shall from henceforth acknowledge him for their sovereign King, and shall yield him honour, homage, and service. And all this came to pass after God manifested himself to all the world by his Gospel, for the great Kings and Princes thereof not only submitted themselves under the yoke of Christ, but also employed their wealth & riches to restore & maintain the Church, so as they became the protectors and defenders of it.

HAuing spoken of the obedience of the Gentiles, he shewes, that it not only appertaines to the common people, but euen to Kings also, whom he compares to foster fathers, who bring vp other mens childrē, and Queens to milch nurses, which are hired forth for that purpose. Why so? Because Kings and Queenes shall furnish ye Church with all things necessarie for her children. For whereas before they banished Christ out of all their coasts, now they shall from henceforth acknowledge him for their soueraigne King, and shall yeeld him honor, homage, and seruice. And all this came to passe after God manifested himselfe to all the world by his Gospel, for the great Kings and Princes therof not only submitted themselues vnder the yoke of Christ, but also imployed their wealth & riches to restore & maintaine the Church, so as they became the protectors and defenders of it.

Whence we note, that a special and particular duty is here required of Princes,¹ besides their ordinary profession of the Christian faith. Why so? Because the Lord hath clothed them with power and authority, to the end they should provide for the Churches good, and also procure the glory of God. I grant this duty belongs to every one, but by how much the greater power Princes are endued withal, the more careful should they be to employ their studies and pains about these things. That is the cause why David expressly names them, and exhorts them to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, and to kiss his Son,